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DEEP RIVER — A rural Deep River family were grateful to the volunteer firefighters from six area fire departments and others who battled a blaze that destroyed their home Friday, Aug. 15.
Dan and Brenda Sutfin of 1997 Highway 85 lost their home in the blaze that started from an apparent lightning strike.
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 Department of Transportation.
The family 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 Wanders.
Wanders was thankful 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,” said 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 Wanders. “A lot of hard work. We used roughly 27,000 gallons of water in fighting the blaze.”
Wanders said the last firetruck 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. “The outpouring of love and support we are receiving is beyond anything we could have imagined.”