NEWTON – A person died in a house fire in Newton on Saturday and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Newton Fire Department reported that crews responded to a structure fire on Saturday, August 15, at approximately 10:15 PM. The fire had broken out in a two-story home at 311 W 11th St. N., and callers reported that a person was still inside the building. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire throughout the building.

Newton Police Department officers also arrived on scene and gathered information about whether the person might still be inside the home. Fire crews worked quickly and located the victim within minutes of arriving; however, despite life-saving efforts, the victim died from their injuries.

One firefighter was treated at the scene for minor injuries and was released.

Officials say that the house sustained significant fire and smoke damage. Crews remained on scene until 12:40 AM on Sunday, August 16.

The Newton Fire Department was assisted by fire departments from Baxter, Colfax, and Kellogg, along with the Newton Police Department and Newton Public Works Department. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation with help from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.