01/25/2026
On 1/23/26 at approx 8:45pm Brandon Fire was dispatched to the 1000blk of 325th St for a report of the power going out and smoke filling a home. Upon arrival, flames were visible coming from the roof of a rural residential structure. Mutual aid was requested from surrounding departments and an interior crew was sent in for initial knockdown. All residents of the home were confirmed to have made it out.
After mutual aid began arriving, vertical ventilation holes and exterior attack operations began. The extreme cold temperatures of close to -10° made it very difficult as hose lines, pumps, and firefighter airpacks were freezing. The particular construction of this home also made it difficult to extinguish due to add-ons and roof/attic layout.
At around 12am the fire was under control and mutual aid was released from the scene. Our portable water tank was also difficult to drain due to the extreme freezing temperatures. After all tools and hose lines were cleaned up, a hot spot between the roof and ceiling flared up requiring more overhaul operations to gain access to the fire and was extinguished using a fire extinguisher. At around 1:15am Brandon Fire gave the all clear to leave the scene 4.5hrs after the incident was reported.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our mutual aid departments for coming to help bring this fire under control in some of the most difficult temperatures to fight fires. La Porte City Iowa Fire Rescue, Jesup Fire Department, Mount Auburn Fire Department, and Gilbertville Fire Department thank you for all you do!
