First responders work to extinguish a house fire in Gladbrook on Friday, May 16. Tama County Sheriff’s deputies are also pictured. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERIFF CASEY SCHMIDT

GLADBROOK – On Friday, May 16, just before 10:45 a.m., Tama County 911 received a call about a house fire in Gladbrook. According to a news release from Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt, everyone involved in the fire “made it out of the home safely.”

“Our 911 dispatchers, Emergency Management, deputies, and all of the responding fire departments worked together quickly and efficiently to make sure help got to where it was needed,” Schmidt said. “This response was a reminder of how well our emergency services work together across Tama County. When the call comes in, no one hesitates to respond. Everyone shows up ready to get to work.”

According to Craig Sash, lieutenant and training officer for Gladbrook Fire and Rescue, the fire was located roughly a block north of the fire station and was “started by an unsupervised/unattended garbage fire.”

“Gladbrook Fire was on scene with water flowing in five to seven minutes. There were no injuries but unfortunately the house is likely a total loss,” Sash explained. “I couldn’t be prouder of our guys. There were only six of us to start with and to get the fire knocked down and controlled in such a short time is fantastic. Traer and Garwin fire (departments) thankfully both came to assist with much needed manpower to give us a breather. Gladbrook-Lincoln Ambulance did an excellent job of looking over us and keeping us hydrated. The Sheriff’s Department and Tama County EMA also were on scene providing assistance.”

Sash also said the local Casey’s sent over pizza which was greatly appreciated.

As part of the news release, Schmidt pointed out that all the fire and EMS departments that responded that day are staffed by volunteers.

“They leave work, family, and whatever they are doing to respond to the call,” Schmidt said. “These are normal, regular people doing great things for their communities. If you have ever thought about stepping up and volunteering for your community, now is the time. Our communities depend on people who are willing to answer the call.”

Sash echoed Schmidt in rounding out his comments to the newspaper: “This is what living in a small community is about, everyone and everything came together to mitigate the situation as quickly and effectively as possible. All branches and agencies of emergency services did it perfectly.”

Gladbrook Fire and Rescue was assisted by Garwin Fire Department, Traer Fire Department, Gladbrook-Lincoln Ambulance, Tama County EMA, Tama County Dispatch, and the Tama County Sheriff’s Office.