SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responds to a house fire at 2719 S. Theodore Avenue in Sioux Falls Wednesday night.
At approximately 8:51 last night fire crews found the garage of the home fully involved with fire and heavy smoke coming from the eves and roof vents.
Fire crews entered the home to ventilate and make sure everyone was out. Initial reports showed all occupants were out, but a second report 10 minutes later showed that there were still people inside.
An additional crew of 4 personnel assisted the first crew searching the home.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and high heat conditions while searching the structure.
Crews searched the home twice and found no occupants inside.
Crews remained on scene for an additional 2 ½ hours to extinguish reoccurring gasoline fires coming from the vehicle in the garage.
There was a minor injury to one of the residents of the home, treated on scene by PCLS. There were no firefighter injuries reported at this incident.
Fire damage was contained to the garage, however, there was heavy heat and smoke damage to the interior of the home.
The news release from the SFFR is below:
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota: On Wednesday, June 17th, 2020 at approximately 8:51 p.m., Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at 2719 S. Theodore Ave.
First arriving crews found the garage of the home fully involved with fire and heavy smoke coming from the eves and roof vents. Fire crews knocked the main body of the fire down in the garage. Crews entered the home to ventilate and ensure everyone was out. Initial reports indicated all personnel had evacuated the home. A second report came in 10 minutes later that there were still occupants possibly trapped inside. Command tasked an additional crew of 4 personnel to assist the first crew with a primary search of the home. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and high heat conditions while searching the structure. Crews searched the home twice and found no occupants inside. SFPD confirmed with residents that all members of the family were accounted for.
Fire crews had the fire extinguished in 30 minutes. Crews remained on scene for an additional 2 ½ hours to extinguish reoccurring gasoline fires coming from the vehicle in the garage. Fire crews completed overhaul and ventilation operations, ensuring all hot spots had been extinguished and all the smoke was removed from the home. Firefighters monitored carbon monoxide and heat dissipation with CO detectors and thermal imaging cameras. There was a minor injury to one of the residents of the home, treated on scene by PCLS. There were no firefighter injuries reported at this incident.
Fire damage was contained to the garage, however, there was heavy heat and smoke damage to the interior of the home.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with 4 fire trucks, 3 support vehicles, and 19 firefighters. The home did not have a sprinkler system. The fire is currently under investigation. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was assisted on scene by Sioux Falls Police Department, PCLS Ambulance, XCEL Energy, MidAmerican, and Red Cross.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to remind homeowners to have a safe area of refuge such as the neighbor’s house next to or across the street from the home in the event of a fire. Call for help from a location away from the fire and ensure all occupants are accounted for. Please test the smoke detectors in your home monthly.
