(Guthrie Center) Firefighters battled a structure fire in downtown Guthrie Center overnight. Crews responded to the blaze at around 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday at an apartment fire above the Strawberry Patch clothing store and Cabbage Rose at 309 ½ State Street.
One of the residents told KSOM/KS95 news he was at work when an alert came over this cellphone. “My security camera sent me an alert of some movement. I checked my phone and saw smoke pouring out of the back of the building.”
Guthrie County Emergency Management Director Bob Kempf tells KSOM/KS95 News the apartments are home to seven occupants. All escaped unharmed. “One of the occupants was at work, another resident was out walking his dog, and a woman and her kids were all able to get okay,” said Kempf. “We contacted the Red Cross to get the families some assistance.”
The Strawberry Patch structure sustained significant fire and water damage. The Cabbage Rose building received smoke and water damage, and Doud Drug reportedly suffered smoke and water damage.
The Stuart, Panora, and Atlantic Fire Departments assisted the Guthrie Center Fire Department at the scene, along with Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Managment, Panora Emergency Management, Iowa State Patrol, and the American Red Cross.
There is no word as to what caused the fire. Stay tuned to KSOM/KS95 radio for more information when it becomes available.
