*UPDATED RELEASE*
4/142023 Updated information from the Hospers Fire Chief:
In the original release, it was incorrectly reported by a caller to Sioux County Communications that a propane tank exploded during the fire. The tank didn’t explode; the propane tank was venting, the venting gas was on fire.
The cause of the fire was determined to be due to sparks created by concrete workers near the hay bales.
*ORIGINAL RELEASE*
On Thursday, April 13, at 3:04 p.m., the Hospers Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to a report of a large number of hay bales on fire at 3956 Kennedy Avenue, four miles west of Hospers, IA; the sheriff’s office also responded to assist the Hospers Fire Department.
Upon their arrival, Hospers Fire Department requested mutual assistance from fire departments of Orange City, Alton, Boyden and Granville. Alton Ambulance and Orange City Ambulance also responded. As departments were arriving, a propane tank exploded in the fire.
The Orange City Ambulance transported Eduardo Sanchez-Hidalgo, age 35 of Sheldon, IA, to Orange City Area Health for treatment of minor injuries.
A machine shed containing approximately 80 hay bales were lost due to the fire; additionally, a 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty concrete truck, two flatbed trailers and a Yanmar mini excavator, owned by S&S Concrete & Grading, of Sioux Center, IA, were also damaged in the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Hospers Fire Chief.
