(Atlantic, Iowa) – (UPDATED) One person died in a house fire this (Saturday) afternoon, in Atlantic. According Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, a female resident in the home died. Her name was not immediately released. The house at 804 Walnut Street was a total loss. A cause had not been determined. Two neighbors in the area saw the fire and both called 9-1-1.

The call went out at 4:27-p.m.  Atlantic Police observed heavy smoke upon their arrival, and said the house appeared to be fully involved. Atlantic Fire, Cass EMS and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies were on the scene moments later. Chief Cappel said flames were coming out of the north, south and east side of the structure. Front entry was attempted, but the smoke was so dense it make it difficult to see, according to Cappel.

He said the fire in the upstairs of the home was made all the more difficult to fight because renovations had been made by means of a wall between the north and south bedrooms. In addition, the stairs were compromised, and along with the main floor.

Additional manpower/mutual aid was requested from the Lewis and Marne Fire Departments. Mother Nature provided some assistance in the form of a brief shower, at around 4:45-p.m.

Ric Hanson (photos)

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and were expected to be on scene shortly.

Chief Cappel thanked the Marne and Lewis Fire Departments, Atlantic Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County EMC Mike Kennon and others were stayed at the scene and offered assistance.