Iowa Man Dies Trying to Save Grandson

April 1, 2008
The toddler is being treated at a hospital.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa --

A morning fire in Marshalltown killed one person and hurt seven others.

Firefighters were called to 706 W. Church St. at 5:20 a.m.

Firefighters said several people were standing in the yard when they arrived.  They told crews three people were still inside the burning home.  Firefighters found the three and pulled them out of the house.  The home belongs to Chris and Lisa Stackhouse.

Firefighters said the fire started on a couch in the basement of the home.

Family members tell KCCI that Chris Stackhouse died in the fire trying to rescue his 15-month-old grandson.

"He had been trying to make sure everybody was out of the house. Everyone was accounted for but the baby. He made multiple entries into the house to try and save the baby and was unsuccessful," said Harold Brown, Stackhouse's Brother-In-Law.

The baby was being treated at Blank Children's Hospital on Monday night.

Investigators are looking for a cause but believe it to be accidental.  The Marshalltown Fire Department and state fire marshal are investigating.

Crews battled the flames for about two and half hours.  A family pet also died in the fire.

Officials said names and conditions are not yet available, pending notification of family members.

Voice Your Opinion!

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