Six fire departments battle fire that destroyed a rural Deep River home

​      Six fire departments were called on Friday, Aug. 15 in fighting a fire that destroyed the Dan and Brenda Sutfin home at 1997 Highway 85, rural Deep River. Area businesses and county and state officials were also on the scene. The fire was started from an apparent lightning strike. (submitted photo).

By J.O. Parker
 
      A rural Deep River family expresses their gratitude to the many volunteer firefighters from six area fire departments and others who battled a blaze that destroyed their home on Friday, Aug. 15.
      Dan and Brenda Sutfin of 1997 Highway 85 lost their home in the blaze that started from an apparent lightning strike.
      “Words cannot describe the fear and heartbreak we felt as we watched our home of 33 years go up in flames,” noted Dan and Brenda Sutfin. “However, words also cannot describe the gratitude we have for friends, family and community. The outpouring of love and support we are receiving is beyond anything we could have imagined.”
       According to the Deep River Fire Department Chief Brandon Wanders, the first call came in at the station at 8:23 p.m.
        No one was injured in the fire.
       Fire departments from Deep River, Montezuma, Malcom, Brooklyn, Victor and Millersburg were on scene battling the blaze.
      Also on scene was Seaton Construction and Neil Widmer Electric, both of Deep River; Poweshiek County Emergency Management, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa DOT. 
      The family has also expressed their gratitude to the Poweshiek County Dispatch who helped coordinate all the fire departments and public officials.
       “Without them (dispatch) we can’t do our job,” said Chief Wanders.
       Chief Wanders expressed his thankfulness to the volunteers from the area fire departments who were on the scene.
       “I also appreciate area citizens who brought the firefighters water to keep us hydrated while we battled the fire,” noted Chief Wanders.
       “Simply saying thank you does not seem like enough,” said the Sutfins, as they mentioned all those who were on scene. “We thank you for your quick response and tireless work in putting out the fire and for saving what items you did.”
       “To have that many departments work together and get things done was impressive,” said Chief Wanders. “A lot of hard work. We used roughly 27,000 gallons of water in fighting the blaze.”
        Chief Wanders said the last fire truck was on scene until just before Midnight.
      “To everyone who has reached out offering everything from encouraging words, to food, to clothing, and to a place to stay – thank you,” said the Sutfin family.