(Estherville)– An electrical short in a clothes dryer has been sited as the probable cause of a fire late Thursday night that destroyed the home of Thomas and Mary Hayenga at 514 North Sixth Street in Estherville.
Fire Chief Randy Cody says their investigation determined the blaze started in the laundry area of the home, owned by Jerry Hansen of Estherville.
Estherville firefighters were called to the scene around 11:30 p.m. Thursday and found smoke coming out of two windows and a door.
The Spirit Lake Fire Department responded through mutual aid with its aerial truck, along with fire departments from Wallingford and Gruver.
The Hayengas were home at the time the blaze broke out. They managed to get out uninjured.
Four Estherville firefighters suffered minor injuries ranging from hypothermia, bumps and bruises from slipping on the ice and breathing difficulties.
Firefighters had to battle frigid conditions. The temperature was 10 degrees below zero.
The American Red Cross is assisting the Hayengas, who lost everything in the fire and had no rental insurance. An account has been established for anyone wishing to donate to help out the family. Donations can be sent to Bank Plus, care of the Hayenga Fire Relief Fund; 1202 Central Avenue; Estherville…51334.
