Urbandale Family "Very Fortunate" to Survive House Fire Says Chief

An  Urbandale family is “very fortunate” to have survived a house fire that started in the bedroom of a paraplegic man early Tuesday morning, said Urbandale Fire Chief Jerry Holt. 

Holt said the fire at 7604 Wilden Drive, across the street from , caused from $75,000 to $100,000 damage to the home. The home was valued at $126,000 and owned by Paul F. and Sally Stout, according to the Polk County Assessor’s website. 

"This was probably the most extensive damage that we've had this year," said Holt.

The fire started in the bedroom and spread through much of the house. The heat was so intense it melted fixtures and decorations on the walls, he said. 

“The artificial Christmas tree was completely melted,” said Holt. 

"These people were very fortunate to be alive, to be awakened by the smell of smoke, as opposed to being overcome by the carbon monoxide,” said Holt.

The fire started in the bedroom of a paraplegic man. The origin was a burning candle on a night stand that caught other materials on fire. Holt said the man, whose name he is prohibited from releasing, was taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and a burn on his leg. 

“The homeowners were awakened by the smell of smoke and they got him out,” said Holt.

Holt noted that only one smoke detector was in the house and it was unclear if it was working. 

Next-door neighbors said they were awakened by firefighters and told that they needed to evacuate their own homes in case the fire spread.

Holt said that too often, especially when people are sleeping, carbon monoxide from the fire will render them unconscious and if they are not rescued, they can die from smoke inhalation or lack of oxygen because fire uses up the oxygen.

Holt cautioned Urbandale residents to check their smoke detectors. First priority is to have a working smoke detector in every bedroom and one in a common hallway to the bedrooms, he said.

The second most important place to have a smoke detector is in the kitchen. 

Holt said that anyone with questions about where and how to place smoke detectors can call the at  (515) 278-3970 and firefighters will come to their home to help them.

"We install a ton of smoke detectors for senior citizens. Actually, we'll do it for anybody," he said. 

He also offered these rules for candle safety:

• Blow out candles when you leave the room or are going to bed.

• Do not burn candles in a bedroom.

• Candles should be at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Candles should only be placed on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.