Mason City Fire Department responds to four fires in one hour during severe storm

MASON CITY — During the storms early Tuesday morning, the Mason City Fire Department says they were busy with four different calls within about a half hour:

== At 12:38 AM, the department responded to a shed fire in the backyard of 115 10th Northwest. Firefighters found a fire on arrival and quickly extinguished it. Heat from the fire damaged a nearby car and the neighbor’s garage. THe shed and its contents were a total loss.

== At 12:53 AM, firefighters responded to 80 Ridge Road for a report of the smell of smoke in the house and embers by the electrical panel. Investigation revealed a small fire on wall sheeting around the electrical panel. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher. Damage was minimal.

== At 12:58 AM, the department received a report of a power line contacting a tree with a small fire at 1802 South Hampshire. The incident was investigated after higher priority calls were addressed. 

== At 1:06 AM, the department responded to a house fire at 1636 North Delaware. On arrival, flames were showing from a large portion of the house. All of the home’s occupants were outside. The fire was extinguished quickly. 

The Mason City Fire Department also responded to reports of power lines being down as well as power outages. The department is investigating these incidents, with preliminary findings suggesting lightning strikes as the cause. No injuries were reported with any of the incidents.