SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — At 6:36 p.m. Saturday evening, October 5, 2019, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire at 217 N Jessica Avenue.
The first arriving crew reported heavy smoke coming from the home and advised a working fire. After an initial size up, it was determined that there was a fire in the basement of the home. It was confirmed that all residents had exited the home and were safe.
With the arrival of additional Sioux Falls Fire Rescue trucks and crews, entry was made to the basement of the home. The fire was brought under control after approximately 10 minutes on the scene. After clearing the home of smoke, crews completed a primary search of the home to confirm all residents had cleared the home. Crews completed an overhaul of the home to ensure all fire had been extinguished. After overhaul had been completed, Fire Inspectors Alberico and Fey made entry into the home to investigate the origin of the fire. The cause of the fire continues to be investigated.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with four fire trucks, four support vehicles, and 20 firefighters. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was assisted on scene by the Sioux Falls Police Department, PCLS Ambulance, Xcel Energy, Mid-American Energy, and Fire Chaplain Humphrey.
The family of eight were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape without injury. The home had extensive fire damage in the basement and smoke damage throughout. It will be uninhabitable until repairs have been made. The family made arrangements to stay with relatives.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would remind residents to test their smoke detectors monthly, check the detector’s expiration date, and have an evacuation plan in place for your fam
