Explosion in Vacant Iowa House Alerts Neighbors of Fire

Des Moines, IA -- Des Moines Fire responded to 1442 8th street shortly before midnight on a report of a house fire, according to a press release from the Des Moines Fire Department. Neighbors reported hearing an explosion, which rattled their windows before noticing the back porch ablaze.

When firefighters arrived they found the enclosed back porch engulfed in flames, with smoke coming from several of the windows of the one story home. Firefighters attacked the fire from both the interior and exterior before it was extinguished.

Fire Investigator Brad Fousek was called to investigate the fire. Fousek spoke with witnesses and neighbors to gather information. The home has been reported vacant for about four years, with power and electricity shut-off. The police have responded in the last week to remove trespassers who have entered the home.

The explosion heard by neighbors were oxygen bottles left in the abandoned home.

The oxygen bottles were exposed to the heat of the fire and erupted.

It is unknown why the two foot long oxygen bottles were still in the home.

Samples were taken for lab testing, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Damage estimated to be $15,000.