(Anita, Iowa) – Anita Firefighters responded to a house fire west of Anita a little after Noon today (Wednesday). Fire Chief Eric Steffensen said the home at 72737 Eastland Road was engulfed in fire and had collapsed onto the ground when the first crews arrived. The home was unoccupied at the time the fire broke out, which Steffensen was apparently around 11:30-a.m.  The residence was home to Chris and Ann Butler.

Photos via Nishna Valley Cycle’s Facebook page

The wind-whipped flames and embers jumped a road to north of the structure and caught about 80 acres of land to burn.

Mutual aid was provided by firefighters from Wiota, Adair and Atlantic, mainly in the form of grass units and tankers. No injuries were reported and a cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Nishna Valley Cycle is working with Community 1st Credit Union (200 Maple St., Atlantic, IA),on an account for donations to help the couple.

A donation jar will also be available at Nishna Valley Cycle in Atlantic, where Chris is the Sales Manager. A GoFundMe account has also been established.