The Pella Fire Department spent nine hours fighting a blaze at a house located across the street from Pella High School on East University Street Wednesday. 

Assistant Fire Chief Jason Schroeder tells KNIA/KRLS News the fire was concentrated in the basement, which made it difficult to tackle after the main level floors collapsed. He called the damage “extensive,” but the official cause remains under investigation.

The homeowners of 203 East University Street were not home at the time of the fire that started just after 8:00 Wednesday morning.

Schroeder commended the efforts of the Pella Fire Department team for their work battling sub zero wind chills and navigating a difficult task to get to the flames at the scene. 

“The team was outstanding today and their communication was fantastic,” he says. “We had several crew members join us on scene and replace others, and it was seamless.”

He also thanked the Pella Police Department, Pella Ambulance, Knoxville Fire and Rescue, and Knoxville Rural Fire for their assistance on the scene.