(Updated 1-p.m.)

An attempt by a rural Cass County resident to keep their pipes from freezing resulted in the loss of a two-story home this (Monday) morning, northeast of Atlantic. Atlantic Fire Department 1^st Assistant Chief Russell Peck told KJAN News a resident of the home t 54924 650^th Street was using a space heater in his basement when the fire started just before 8-a.m. and quickly spread to the rest of the structure.

Looking south from Troublesome Creek Road (Ric Hanson/photo)

Looking north from Fayette Road. (Ric Hanson/photo)

Peck said the space heater was used in the corner of a crawl space near where the pipes were located. Once the fire started, it quickly spread up the walls and into the attic. The homeowner tried to put the fire out, but was not successful. Firefighters had to pull out from the home because the floor above the crawl space was about to collapse.

Both residents and their dog escaped without injury.  Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon told KJAN the house was almost fully engulfed in fire when the first crews arrived, and they “Never could get a handle” on it. The temperature at the time of the blaze was nearly 15 degrees below zero, with a wind chill of around 30 below. Kennon said the conditions “Were brutal. It’s terribly cold. We’re on top of a hill and catching a lot of wind, so the wind chill factor is just incredible.” He said the conditions make it hard for firefighters to catch their breath, and exposed skin “just burns” because of the freezing conditions.”

Firefighters’ gloves became coated with ice and were rendered unusable after a short while, prompting calls for replacement gloves and other equipment. Peck said there was just no way to keep warm on the scene. Fortunately, a local seed dealer offered the opportunity for shelter and refreshments for the firefighters…a place they could rotate in and out-of with other fire fighting personnel. He said a dozen or so firefighters at a time were transported to Wickman Chemical just up the road, where they could get warmed-up and drink some coffee.

The Atlantic Hy-Vee provided hot coffee, donuts and sandwiches for the firefighters. Crews from Atlantic and Marne, with assistance from Anita and Wiota battled the blaze most of the morning. Smoke could be seen for miles. No injuries were reported. Peck told KJAN the house had completely collapsed as of Noon.