From the CHARLES CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Charles City Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a passerby report of a house fire Thursday afternoon around 12:10PM at 2455 Miner Ave., Southwest of Charles City.

Upon arrival, smoke and fire was visible from the exterior of the home.  No one was home at the time of the fire, and it is likely that the fire had a significant head start prior to the passerby report to 911.  Two CCFD engines and a tanker responded to the fire.

Fire, smoke, and water damage was major, with the home likely a total loss.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to be due to spontaneous combustion of oily rags that were not in a proper container within the residence.  Firefighters remained on scene for approximately three hours, with fire units back at the station around 3:30PM this afternoon.

There were no injuries reported of residents of the home, and no injuries occurred to any firefighters during or after the fire.  The Red Cross has been contacted to assist with any needs of the displaced family.

The home is owned by John Ruzicka according to the Floyd County Assessors GIS website.

Assisting the CCFD at the scene was Greene Fire Department, Marble Rock Fire Department, Rockford Fire Department, AMR Ambulance, Floyd County Search and Rescue, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, and Floyd County EMA.