Smoke Detectors Credited with Saving Family in Early Morning House Fire in Ankeny

ANKENY, Iowa (January 20, 2011) – A family of three credits the activation of their smoke detectors with providing them sufficient time to escape their burning home early this morning. The Ankeny Fire Department was dispatched on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 12:49 a.m., to a residential structure fire at 1930 NW 70th Place, SW of the Ankeny city limits. Within three minutes of the alarm being transmitted to the Fire Department and Polk County Deputy Sheriffs, a deputy arrived on scene to find the entire rear of the home engulfed in flames.

The fire department arrived on-scene to find flames showing from the side and rear of the residence. They fought the fire in frigid 9 degree temperatures, which was brought under control within approximately 45 minutes. Fire crews remained on scene for nearly three hours searching for remaining fire, or hot spots. The residence suffered significant damage from the fire.

One minor injury was reported to an Ankeny Firefighter, no injuries were reported by the home owner. The Central Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross was requested to assist the homeowner. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ankeny Fire Department. The response to this incident included three engine companies, one aerial truck, two ambulances, and four command officers from the Ankeny Fire Department.

The Ankeny Fire Department was assisted by the Polk City Fire Department who provided one engine company, one command officer and the Special Operations Unit. Assistance was also provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.