Fire Department Responds to Report of Smoke in Residence, Fire Extinguished Quickly

The following incident was reported by The Decorah Fire Department on Monday, April 21. On 4/20/25 at 2338 hours, Winneshiek Dispatch received a call from an alarm company who reports a client pressed her home alarm button and reported smoke in her residence. On arrival of Decorah Police officers and Deputies from the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, heavy smoke was coming from the residence. Officers were not able enter the home due to heavy smoke but were able to locate the occupant of the home and remove her through a bedroom window. The occupant was conscious and talking. The occupant was transported by WinnMed Ambulance service to the WinnMed ED for evaluation and treatment. Decorah Fire personnel were able make entry into the residence and perform a search. No other occupants were located. One pet was located alive and removed from the residence. Fire was found in the basement of the home with extension into the first floor kitchen. The fire was quickly extinguished. The basement as well as the kitchen area were overhauled. A second pet was found deceased and removed from the home. There was moderate fire and water damage in the basement and smoke damage throughout the rest of the home.The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Decorah Fire Department was assisted by the Winneshiek Dispatch Center, Decorah Police, Winneshiek County Sheriff's office, WinnMed Ambulance and Alliant Energy. For further information, please contact: Steve Vanden Brink Public Information Officer Decorah Fire Department Phone: 563-382-3472 Email: dfd@decorah.iowa.gov