The Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to the 600 block of West Main Street at 4:35 Sunday afternoon for the report of a structure fire. When crews arrived, they found a garage on fire, which had spread to a nearby car and grass in the yard, as well as a nearby transformer, causing the surrounding area to lose electricity for a period of time. Chief Cal Wyman tells KNIA/KRLS News that the fire was the result of improperly discarded embers and ashes from a campfire the previous night. He reminds everyone that especially during warm, dry, and windy conditions like those that were present on Sunday, these situations can be prevented with caution.

“The National Weather Service warned of extreme fire conditions for today. As a result of that, we ended up losing a garage here in town today. It’s a pure accident, but a little bit of caution can go a long way.”

No one was injured, and damage is estimated at $30,000. Assisting agencies included the Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Township Rural Fire Department, Pleasantville Fire Department, Pella EMS, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and MidAmerican Energy.