The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office late Saturday night released more information about a fatal house fire that took place in Casey Friday afternoon. Officials say 53-year old Melody Bole, of Casey, died in the blaze. Her husband, Duane Nelson, suffered significant burns to his upper body and arms, and was transported to Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines and subsequently transferred to Iowa City, where he was released from care, Saturday. In addition, two dogs survived the fire while two other dogs perished.

The incident began at 3:21- p.m. Friday, when the Guthrie County Dispatch Center took multiple reports of house fire with possible human entrapment at 205 W. 1st St. in Casey. Fire departments from Adair, Casey and Menlo were dispatched to the scene along with Adair and Stuart Rescue.

When the fire was reported, a concrete crew was working on a cement project in the back yard of the same property. Members of the concrete crew attempted a rescue but were unable to reach the trapped party. A member of the concrete crew was a Casey volunteer fire fighter and was able to get equipment to the scene rapidly.

Duane Nelson entered the residence in an effort to find his wife but was unsuccessful. When law enforcement arrived on scene, heavy smoke was coming from the residence. After a majority of the fire was rapidly extinguished by fire personnel, the body of Melody Bole was found inside the residence.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Guthrie County Medical Examiner. The investigation is now being handled by the State Fire Marshall’s Office. The results of an autopsy are pending at this time.