Fire destroys rural home

Family evacuated safely; structure uninsured

A home in rural Clear Lake was destroyed by fire early Monday morning, June 24.

According to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 6:40 a.m. David Brown, the owner of a residence at 18088B Lark Ave., Mason City, reported the house at 18088A Lark Ave., which he also owns, was on fire.  

The Clear Lake Fire Department was notified that a house was fully involved and that the occupants were all safely evacuated at the farm just north of Highway 122, just outside the Mason City limits.

The resident, Morgan Coleman, reported that he and his wife, Siena, awoke to a smoke odor and found heavy smoke and flames in the home.  They were able to evacuate the three children, 12-year-old Simon, 11-year-old Grace and seven-year-old Alexander Coleman.  The family was safe before the arrival of County Sheriff’s deputies, Iowa State Patrol, and the CLFD.

Upon arrival, the CLFD found a very large amount of fire and determined the property a total loss.  The department used its resources to protect the exposures to additional buildings and an LP tank just north of the home.

The three engine companies on hand from Clear Lake were assisted by the Mason City Fire Department with additional water.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and is under investigation.  The house, which was uninsured, was a total loss.  The estimate of loss was $80,000.

Smoke detectors were present in the home but were not operational. 

Crews were on hand for about four hours. There were no injuries reported.