CCFD NEWS RELEASE

CHARLES CITY –  The Charles City Fire Department was called to a house fire early Tuesday morning at 3:47AM, with a 911 report to the Floyd County Dispatch Center of a lightning strike to their home causing fire to be seen from the roof at the time of the 911 call. The CCFD responded to 2198 Old Highway Road, just Southeast of Charles City.

Upon arrival of the first due Engine, smoke and fire was visible from the roof of the home.  An interior attack was attempted, but the fire was contained to the attic with difficult immediate access from the interior.  A quick exterior attack of the fire commenced where the fire had broken through portions of the roof peak, and a most of the fire was extinguished.  Overhaul inside the home made it easier to find and extinguish hot spots as needed.

Occupants of the home were home at the time of the lightning strike and subsequent fire.  They both were able to escape without injury, and no injuries to firefighters were reported on scene.  According to the Floyd County GIS records, the home is owned by Russell Bornstein, who happens to currently be a 20-year veteran Firefighter of the Charles City Fire Department.

The fire was mostly contained to the attic, with substantial smoke and water damage through the rest of the home.  The cause of the fire is determined to be due to a direct lightning strike to the home just shortly before the 911 call for help was made.  All fire departments were back to their stations, and back in service around 7:30AM.

The Charles City Fire Department responded with two Engines, a Tanker, and two Command vehicles, with 10 Firefighters.  Additional Firefighters for manpower and several pieces of equipment arrived through mutual aid listed below.

Assisting the Charles City Fire Department was AMR Ambulance, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Floyd Fire Department, Colwell Fire Department, Nashua Fire Department, Floyd County Search and Rescue, Floyd County EMA, American Red Cross, Floyd County Dispatch Center and MidAmerican Energy.