Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 2 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Spark apparent cause of house fire
Three people safely escape
Published Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A spark on cardboard appears to have caused the house fire at 654 West Cavour Wednesday morning. The Fergus Falls Police were called out around 11:45 a.m.
The tan stucco duplex, a two-story structure with full basement, is owned by Lester Kipputh. Kipputh, his daughter and her husband, Carla and Kevin Zick, the Zick’s two children reside at the home. No one was injured. Three people and three dogs were in the house at the time. The family declined comment.
“We’re just really shook up right now,” Carla said.
Fire started in an attached garage under the house, Fire Chief Police Mark Hovland said.
“The homeowner poured wood chips from a cardboard box into a small grill outside,” Hovland said.
Unbeknownst to the owner, a spark from the chips flew into the cardboard box. The box was folded up and placed in the garage with other recyclables, and it smoldered. The fire then spread into the house, setting off the smoke alarms. The owner was outside at the time and was alerted by the alarms, Hovland said.
The house sustained water and smoke damage. A car in the garage was destroyed.
“We’ve pretty much got it contained,” Hovland said around 12:15 p.m. “There’s still fire some fire in the walls (on the second and third floor) that we have to get at. We’re going to call in another fire department for help.”
The Elizabeth Fire Department was called in to relieve Fergus Falls firefighters and also to be on call in case another call came in, Hovland said.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by gramma2007 (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Things like this shouldn't happen, best of luck to you!
Posted by ANGEL101 (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The most important thing to remember is that this family & their pets got out safe. Thankfully no one was hurt. This is a very strong & rock solid family and they will move on & get through this! God bless you!!
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)