IA Firefighter's House Burns Down; Community Rallying

Dec. 1, 2022
Winterset Asst. Chief Jeff Johnston and his wife, April, were on vacation when they learned about the blaze.

An Iowa firefighter who responds to others' emergencies is now in need of help.

Winterset Assistant Chief Jeff Johnston and his wife, April, were on vacation when they learned their home was gone, KCCI reported.

Their five children were staying with friends and are all safe. 

Winterset firefighters found the home fully engulfed in fire when they approached the area Tuesday morning. They concentrated on protecting nearby structures.

Winterset fire Chief Jayson McDonald said preliminary findings show the fire was caused by a wiring issue. The home was under construction for remodeling.

News spread fast at Winterset Junior High School where Johnston coaches wrestling.