Des Moines firefighters responded to a 911 call reporting a house on fire at 1300 Rittenhouse, Des Moines, Iowa at 3:45 AM Christmas Eve morning.
First arriving firefighters reported flames extending 20-30 feet in the air and igniting surrounding trees. The first arriving officer immediately requested a Second Alarm.
Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the fire that had already progressed through the roof of the single family dwelling.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene. Senior Fire Investigator, Brad Fousek, reported, "The extent of the fire and the frigid temperatures combined made this fire difficult to extinguish." "It appears to have started in the roof area; however, a cause has not yet been determined," Fousek said.
Fousek also reported that the single family dwelling was vacant at the time of the fire.
No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.
Further information will be released as it is made available.
