A Churdan area home was salvaged thanks to a quick response by local area fire departments.

According to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, the Churdan, Jefferson and Lohrville Fire departments, and Greene County Emergency Medical Services responded to the residential fire at 448 H Avenue at 1:18pm Wednesday. Churdan Fire Chief Garrett Riedesel told Raccoon Valley Radio when they arrived on scene, there was smoke coming from the attic of the home. He said they used fire extinguishers at first, and then removed some hay bales that were in the attic before putting the rest of the area out with water.

Damage was mostly contained to the attic area and there was some additional water damage. Riedesel pointed out the occupants of the rental property were able to get out safely and no one was injured. All three fire department crews kept warm and rotated shifts due to the extremely cold temperatures. However, Riedesel said they had no issues with hoses or equipment freezing. The cause was accidental in nature and believed to be from a shortage in an electrical wire.

Crews were on scene for three hours.