Sioux Falls, South Dakota (KELO-AM) Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire at 7512 W 58th St. at 5:08 p.m. Sunday afternoon. While en route, crews were informed the fire was in an attached garage and that all residents had evacuated the home.
On arrival, light smoke was visible from the attached garage. Crews investigated and found the interior of the home to be clear of smoke. Entry was gained to the garage by cutting through the overhead garage door and a small fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes. Crews moved a vehicle from the garage to gain access to the attic area to check for extension of the fire. A small smoldering fire was discovered in the attic area and a portion of the ceiling was removed to extinguish the insulation.
After the fire was extinguished, a Fire Inspector investigated and found a circuit breaker had been tripped. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a staple had pierced a string of Christmas lights in the garage. The homeowner stated that the circuit breaker had tripped several times during the day and the lights had just been hung.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with 4 fire trucks and 3 support vehicles with 19 personnel. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was assisted by Sioux Falls PD, Paramedics Plus Ambulance, MidAmerican Energy, Southeastern Electric, and the American Red Cross.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue reminds residents to be especially careful when hanging Christmas lights so as to not overload outlets and if using a natural Christmas tree to keep it well watered. Also Sioux Falls Fire Rescue reminds residents of the importance of working smoke detectors. Detectors should be installed in every sleeping area, outside the sleeping areas, and tested monthly.