Iowa Firefighter's Home 'A Total Loss'

Sept. 3, 2009
A Madison County family lost their home in a fire early Thursday morning.

TRURO, Iowa --

A Madison County family lost their home in a fire early Thursday morning.

The fire started around 3 a.m. at the home of Joe and Michelle Sciarrotta at 2959 Peru Road near Truro.

Authorities said they receive a call from Joe Sciarrotta, who is a full-time Des Moines firefighter and volunteer firefighter for Truro, that his home was on fire and he needed help.

The home was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. The family escaped after hearing their smoke detectors go off. No injuries were reported.

The home is a complete loss, officials said. Investigators said it looks like the fire started in the garage and quickly spread throughout the home.

"Everything they had was destroyed in this house fire. So we've all offered lodging to them. I think they're still trying to get their heads wrapped around the situation and figure out what they're going to do," said Jeremy Ransom, Truro fire chief.

The Truro Fire Department was helped with the fire by the State Fire Marshal's Office, Madison County Sheriffs Office, St. Charles Fire Department, Peru Fire Department and Winterset Fire Department.

The cause is not yet known and remains under investigation.

Fund Established For Family

A fund has been established for the family. Donations can be made at the Union State Bank in Winterset and in Truro:

Sciarrotta Donation Account

Union State Bank

PO Box 110

Winterset, IA 50273

Union State Bank

160 E Garfield

Truro IA 50257

Copyright 2009 by KCCI.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!