Wahpeton home a total loss after weekend fire

(Photo by Brian Craig, Special to The Daily Reporter) Firefighters battled a blaze in Wahpeton for four and a half hours Sunday evening. Investigators believe the fire was started by a malfunction in the gas fireplace. The home was declared a total loss. [Click to enlarge]

A home on West Lake has been deemed a complete loss following a fire on Sunday evening.

Milford firefighters were called to 1000 West Street in Wahpeton shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 for a report of smoke in the residence and a possible chimney fire.

"The first arriving deputy reported a confirmed structure fire," said Milford Fire Chief Jim Carpenter. "When firefighters arrived, the northwest corner of the structure was involved in fire extending up the wall from the ground to the roofline. Crews quickly determined that the attic area was well involved and spreading rapidly."

Firefighters stretched hoses to the outside corner and to the inside of the home and accessed the attic space. The fire was spreading quickly and broke through the roof over the main entry to the home threatening to cut off the crew inside, causing interior operations to be suspended.

An exterior attack was begun and the Spirit Lake Fire Department was requested for mutual aid with their ladder and another pumper. The fire was knocked down with the ladder truck and 2 1/2 inch hose lines from the outside, garage and deck of the home. Lakes Regional Healthcare ambulance personnel assisted on scene with rehab for firefighters dealing with the cold and ice. Fire units were on the scene through 11:58 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the blaze. Also assisting on scene were the Dickinson County Sheriff's office and Emergency Management.