(Hancock) A rural Hancock home was destroyed following an explosion and fire Tuesday morning.
The Hancock Fire Department, along with the Avoca and Minden Fire Departments, responded at approximately 11:58 a.m. to 27476 390th Street, northwest of Hancock, for a reported residential fire. A total of 13 fire apparatuses and 21 firefighters were on scene.
Hancock Fire Chief Josh Billings said firefighters arriving at the scene observed debris scattered across the roadway and yard, indicating an explosion had occurred.
Billings said the explosion caused a fire north of the property that spread near a grain bin and into a nearby field along the fence line. Crews arriving from the north were able to knock down that portion of the fire and bring it under control.
Firefighters arriving from the south began attacking the basement area of the home, which was fully exposed and on fire, along with a deck that had also caught fire.
Secondary road crews assisted by blocking roadways around the scene, and Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office deputies also provided assistance.
The homeowner was outside when the home exploded. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation.
