Ottumwa firefighter crews responded to a structure fire at 730 South Moore Street around 8:08 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The first fire engine arrived within three minutes of the alarm to find the house fully engulfed with flames already through the roof. Dispatch was asked to strike a second alarm to bring more firefighters to the scene. Both the Interim Fire Chief and Interim Deputy Chief assisted the efforts, as well. There was an aggressive attack on the fire and windy conditions added to the difficulty of extinguishing the flames. The battle lasted approximately three hours before the fire was out. It was reported that nobody was home at the time of the fire. A search was performed after the fire was out to confirm this report. Red Cross was called to assist the displaced resident. No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.
