With the new year less than one hour old and Perry-area temperatures plunging below minus 20 degrees, the Perry Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire at 1319 Fifth St. early Monday morning.
Smoke and flames were visible at the rear of the 99-year-old, 1.5 story house that faces St. Patrick Catholic School to the east. The house is owned by Diaz Corporation LLC, according to county records.
The Perry Police Department was first on the scene, securing the evacuation of all occupants. Neighbors in the house next door could be seen leaving their home for their detached garage in order to distance themselves from the blaze.
The Perry Volunteer Fire Department is fighting the fire at this hour. Firefighters first attacked the rear of the structure before making entry through the front. A ladder truck has been dispatched to assist the two tanker trucks at the scen.
An Alliant Energy worker responded to cut the electrical power to the house.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this hour.
The Perry First Responders also responded.
ThePerryNews.com will update this story as information becomes available.
