Local first responders battled three fires Friday in Freeborn County.

Firefighters battled one of the fires in poor conditions northeast of Manchester.

The fire was reported at 72576 270th St. The house was allegedly engulfed in flames when the fire was first reported, and smoke was seen billowing across the street.

The resident of the house discovered the fire when he came home, according to the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office.

“Residents were using space heaters to heat the home,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release. “Still under investigation, but preliminary investigation appears it is not arson. State fire marshal is assisting with the investigation.”

Online property records list Brad and Marcie Thumann as the primary taxpayers.

Clarks Grove, Geneva, Hartland and Manchester first responders assisted on scene.

 

Suspected arson in abandoned house fire

Arson is suspected to have caused a fire Friday at an abandoned house at 85664 State Line Road in rural Glenville, according to the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office.

“The house and a granary were both involved in separate fires,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Still under investigation, but preliminary investigation appears it is arson. State fire marshal is assisting with the investigation.”

Glenville, Hayward, Myrtle and London fire departments assisted on scene.

The fire was reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 6:09 a.m. 

 

Shed fire reported

A shed fire was reported by a homeowner at 2:26 a.m. Friday at 90498 170th St. in eastern Freeborn County. The Sheriff’s Office said the shed had an oil burner and heat lamps for animals. He noted the fire is under investigation but is not considered arson.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Glenville, Hayward and Myrtle fire departments assisted on scene.