Investigation Complete Into Deadly Oskaloosa House Fire

The investigation has been completed into what started this deadly house fire in Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The investigation into what caused the deadly fire at 401 North A Street early Thursday morning has concluded.

Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff says the cause of the fire most likely comes down to “an electrical issue”. The fire possibly burned behind the walls causing damage and debris to begin to fall, which allowed air to rush in, feeding the fire and its intensity. The amount of damaged sustained during the fire made it difficult to be more specific.

The victim, identified as Katherine Edgington, age 42, had a physical disability that made it difficult for her to escape. Her mother, Helen Edgington was able to escape the flames in time.

An autopsy of Katherine was completed Friday morning at the state medical examiner in Ankeny.

Helen is staying with family at this time.

In all, twenty firefighters battled the blaze. Eighteen from Oskaloosa and two from New Sharon. They were joined on scene by members of the Oskaloosa Police Department, The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department and Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Services.