(Red Oak, Iowa) – State and local fire investigators say faulty wiring in the basement of a funeral home in Red Oak, resulted in a fire that gutted the building’s interior. According to Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce, firefighters were dispatched to the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel at 410 N 6^th Street, in Red Oak, at around 4:30-a.m., Friday, after smoke was seen coming from the structure.

Law enforcement arriving on the scene minutes before the fire department, reported that the windows were hot and had begun to turn black. They also advised they could feel the heat coming from the building.

Elliott and Stanton Fire Departments were dispatched as part of  a mutual aid protocol that takes place when a working structure fire is confirmed. Firefighters from Shenandoah, Essex and Villisca responded as well, to help with salvage and overhaul operations, which concluded at around 9:30-a.m., Friday.

The building was deemed a total loss.