Epworth Fire responds to Machine Shed Fire NE of Bankston
By Chief Thomas Berger
October 20, 2020
The Epworth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 23370 North Bankston Road, rural Epworth, on Tuesday, October 20th, 2020. The fire was noticed by the owners who placed a 911 call to the Dubuque County Emergency Communications Center at 0910 hours. The farm is owned by Joe and Ed Wolf. Upon arrival firefighters found a fully engulfed machine shed with mainly farm equipment, tractors and vehicles. Mutual Aid was received from the Holy Cross, Farley and Centralia-Peosta Fire Departments for tanker assistance. Firefighters remained on the scene for over three hours. The machine shed was a total loss. Damage is estimated at over $200,000.00 for the building and contents. The Epworth Fire Department was also assisted at the scene by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and Maquoketa Valley REC. The owner was doing some welding in the area where the fire originated and has been ruled accidental. There was no damage to any nearby structures and no injuries reported.
Units:
Epworth Engines 701 and 702, Command 777, Tanker 735, Medic 752 and Brush 746
Mutual Aid:
Farley Fire Tanker, Holy Cross Fire Tanker and Centralia-Peosta Fire Tankers