(Okoboji)– No injuries were reported Thursday night in a house fire in Okoboji.
Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire Chief Chris Yungbluth says firefighters were called to 1301 Lakeshore Drive shortly after 9:00 p.m. after getting a report of smoke coming from the two and-a-half story house.
Firefighters entered the structure and found no one in the home. The fire was found burning in the basement and was extinguished.
An investigation by the department and the State Fire Marshal determined the fire originated in an electrical room on the northeast side of the basement and that it was the result of a malfunction in the main panel.
Yungbluth says the house, owned by Butch Parks, was being rented by five people. He says it will be habitable again, but not until the main electric service is completely repaired.
Yungbluth says it should serve as a reminder not to overload electric circuits with air conditioning units and other devices, and that it should serve as a warning if a breaker is tripping or a fuse is blowing.
He also reminds everyone to check smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year, and make sure you have an escape plan for your home.
Arnolds Park-Okoboji firefighters were on the scene about three hours.
They were assisted by the Okoboji and Arnolds Park Police Departments, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office and Lakes Regional Healthcare ambulance. Yungbluth says the Lakes Area Fire Boat was also on the scene, but wasn’t needed.
