Fort Dodge Couple Escapes House Explosion Wednesday Night

A Fort Dodge couple, peacefully asleep in their living room last night were awoken by an explosion followed by an escape through debris and flames.

According to Fort Dodge Fire and Rescue, at just before midnight,  Fire and EMS crews responded to 341 Haskell Street where they found the two story home had partially collapsed and flames coming from the entire structure. 

The home’s owners, Randy and Windy Cerwick were able to escape by crawling through the debris, but both sustained burn injuries.

They were treated at the scene and then transported to Unity Point.

Firefighters rapidly deployed 3 hose lines on the burning building, preventing the spread to 2 houses on both sides of the Cerwick’s home.

Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter says that a passerby was on the scene helping the couple until Fire Rescue crews were able to arrive.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Fort Dodge Fire Rescue is being assisted with the investigation by the State Fire Marshall and Mid -American Energy.

Fort Dodge Fire Rescue was assisted at the scene by Fort Dodge Police.

A go fund me account has been established to help Randy and Windy Cerwick following a devastating fire at their home in Fort Dodge last night. https://gofund.me/ff7fa153