(Red Oak) Severe weather moved through the City of Red Oak and portions of Montgomery County Tuesday evening, triggering multiple structure fires and a countywide emergency response beginning around 6:36 p.m.
The Red Oak Fire Department was first dispatched at 6:52 p.m. to a reported house fire near 2nd and Grimes streets. Just two minutes later, crews were called to another house fire in the 1200 block of Hammond Street, where the back porch had caught fire after downed trees damaged power lines connected to the residence.
At 7:07 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the area of 250th Street and Highway 48 for tree limbs in power lines that were possibly on fire. The Essex Fire Department was assigned to that response.
Another residential structure fire was reported at 7:18 p.m. near 6th and Elm streets. When crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire coming from the second floor of the home.
Officials said all three structure fires were caused by downed tree limbs compromising residential power lines.
The widespread storm damage prompted an all-county fire department response, along with additional mutual aid from surrounding communities. The Red Oak Fire Department received assistance from the Stanton, Elliott, Essex, Emerson and Shenandoah fire departments. Later in the evening, the Villisca, Grant and Corning fire departments were activated for additional storm-related fire responses in eastern Montgomery County.
Despite the extensive damage and multiple fires, no injuries were reported.
Red Oak City Utilities crews, along with three private tree removal companies, were called in to help clear roads and remove debris from power lines. MidAmerican Utilities crews also responded and continued working to restore power following the storm.
Additional agencies assisting included Red Oak Police, Montgomery County Communications, Montgomery County Emergency Management, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Page County Communications, and Adams County Communications. Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius Fridolph and City Administrator Lisa Kotter also assisted during the response efforts.
Cleanup operations are expected to continue on Wednesday morning. Officials are reminding residents to use caution around storm debris and to stay clear of any downed power lines that may still be energized while utility crews continue restoration work.
The Red Oak Fire Department thanked all responding agencies for their quick and professional response throughout the evening.
