7 Year-Old Child Dies In House Fire Friday Night
First Responders rush the 7 year-old fire victim from the residence to an awaiting ambulance on Friday night.
An Oskaloosa Fire Depatment Press Release
At 20:30 hours on February 15, 2019 the Oskaloosa Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire located at 515 High Avenue East with the possibility of a child in the basement.
At 20: 34 the first engine arrived on scene and requested an “all in” for the Oskaloosa Fire Department. Simultaneously, mutual aid was requested from the New Sharon Fire Department.
Oskaloosa Police Officers and Mahaska County Sheriff Deputies advised the engine crew that they had attempted to make entry but were driven out by smoke and heat. Firefighters from the first engine company immediately began search and rescue operations and fire suppression but were hampered by low visibility, intense heat, and driven back by flames.
Flames were knocked down and fire fighters located seven-year old David C. Fogle in the basement area of the residence. He was removed from the structure and patient care was given to Mahaska Health Partnership paramedics who transported him to the Mahaska Health Partnership campus.
Seven-year old David C. Fogle passed away as a result of his injuries. Angelia D. Wells (mother) received 2nd degree burns to her left forearm, back of her neck and ears as she attempted to rescue her son before she was driven out by heavy smoke and heat. Two other children ages 6 and 9 were sent out of the residence by Angelia and were not injured.
Twenty-four firefighters were on scene for approximately three hours. No firefighter injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Oskaloosa Fire Department was assisted by the Oskaloosa Police Department. Mahaska County Sheriffs Department, New Sharon Fire Department, Mahaska County E911, Mahaska County Emergency Management, Office of the Iowa State Fire Marshal, Mahaska Health Partnership EMS, and the Mahaska County Cert Team.
Mahaska County CERT is assisting the family, and they have released the following statement if you wish to help the family. “We are also still collecting donations to support their daily needs. We do appreciate the offers of clothes and other items, but until they get a place there is no place for stuff. Cash donations go a long way and cover all expense including funeral. If you don’t want to donate on facebook you can drop funds off at the 911 center. All donations are tax deductible.”
You can find more information on providing assistance by follow the provided link to the Mahaska County CERT Team page – https://www.facebook.com/mahaskacocert/
