Five Departments Fight North Iowa Farm Fire; Firefighters Wanted

Crews from five North Iowa fire departments battled a multi-farm building fire Sunday (05.10) afternoon.

Three farm buildings east of Rockwell were considered total loss, but the house was saved along with most of the livestock.

The Marble Rock Fire Department said, “Hard work from everyone on scene kept the fire from spreading to the house and multiple other buildings.” 

Also responding to the blaze were the Rockwell, Dougherty, Sheffield, and Swaledale fire departments. The Rockwell Police Department and Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.

On the heels of Sunday’s fire, the Marble Rock Fire Department will host a Recruitment Open House Monday (05.11) evening for anyone interested in firefighting or emergency medical services.  

For potential firefighters, no experience necessary and training is provided.

RNs are also welcome with no additional training/certification necessary.

The Open House from 4:30 to 7:30 pm also includes a light meal. 

Nora Springs Farm & Fire is also on the lookout for more firefighters.

According to the most recent data from the National Volunteer Firefighter Council, there were just over 600,000 volunteer firefighters nationwide, the lowest in its records, with volunteer fire departments struggling to recruit and keep members.