A homeowner was injured and over 20 fire departments responded after a home in Prairie Grove became fully engulfed in flames Thursday evening, fire officials said.
The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded around 9:33 p.m. Thursday to the 3800 block of Tamarack Trail South in Prairie Grove for a reported structure fire.
Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said firefighters arrived within seven minutes.
They found a fully involved two-story single-family residence.
An immediate request for mutual aid through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was initiated to the second alarm, Vucha said.
The area lacks fire hydrants and the incident was eventually upgraded to the third alarm for additional water resources.
Vucha said defensive operations were established surrounding the home.
Firefighters set up tender operations at the intersection of Barreville Road and Tamarack Trail South.
The fire was declared under control shortly before 11 p.m.
A man, who was the sole occupant of the residence, was home when the fire broke out, Vucha said.
He escaped prior to the fire department’s arrival but sustained various injuries, including minor burns.
He was evaluated by paramedics on the scene but was not transported to the hospital.
No other injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was requested to assist with shelter and other needs.
The home was declared a complete loss.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District due to the extensive damage.
Damage estimates are still being evaluated, Vucha said.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the over 20 departments that assisted in wind chills as low as -15 degrees, our change of quarters companies, and our dispatchers. The coordinated effort between all agencies was greatly appreciated,” Vucha said.