The fire at Midwest Pipe Supply Co. broke out Monday morning. The spark hit the metal frame of a forklift being fueled, said Jack Wilcox, spokesman for the Clear Lake Fire Department.
Joe Kern, a company employee, said the spark ``jumped'' and started the fire, which spread to the entire building, Wilcox said.
The owner, Mark Paca, called the fire department. Then the two men tried to put out the blaze with fire extinguishers, Wilcox said.
No one was injured.
The business is located east of the Mason City airport. Wilcox said water was problem because the nearest hydrants are about a mile away.
``Tankers hauled water from the airport and a hydrant near Sedars. Another problem was insulation of corn cobs and wood shavings in the building's walls,'' said Wilcox.
The business sells drain tile and PVC pipe and fittings.
Damage was estimated at $200,000.
