High Winds Causes Home Fire to Spread

High winds led to two houses on fire in Clayton County yesterday. According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department, the call came just before 1pm to a report of a residential structure fire at 904 1/2 Front Street in Garber. Clayton County Dispatch immediately notified and paged emergency responders to the scene. Upon arrival, the Garber Fire Department observed the residence to be fully engulfed in flames. Due to extremely high wind conditions, the fire spread to a neighboring residence located at 319 Third Street. 

Given the intensity of the fire, significant wind conditions, and the close proximity of additional homes and businesses, mutual aid was requested. Fire personnel remained on scene for approximately six hours extinguishing the fire, conducting overhaul operations, and ensuring the area was secured. Additional emergency responders provided medical support, traffic control, scene security, and utility assistance.

The Garber Fire Department was assisted by:

Edgewood Fire Department

Colesburg Fire Department

Guttenberg Fire Department

Littleport Fire Department

Garnavillo Fire Department

Clayton County Emergency Management

Garber First Responders

Edgewood Ambulance Service

Guttenberg Ambulance Service

Alliant Energy

Clayton County Sheriff’s Office

The incident remains under investigation by the Garber Fire Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance requested from the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division.