OTTUMWA — On Sunday, October 27, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., the Ottumwa Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 614 East Fourth Street. The response to this address was delayed due to road construction blocking fire truck access to the front of the house. Fire crews arrived to a fully engulfed home. Firefighters were instructed to protect the houses on both sides of the structure fire. Residents of 614 East Fourth Street were not inside at the time and the occupants of one house were removed for their safety. The house on the other side was vacant. One neighboring house received minor heat damage and a couple broken windows. The Police Department had officers on scene assisting with hose lines and other early stage activities. At one point, Dispatch was informed to call in a second alarm for additional firefighters to help fight the blaze. An additional hurdle came from live power lines that broke free from the house on fire. One firefighter fell and hurt their leg. The firefighter was taken to the hospital and has since been released from care. No occupants were injured in the fire or neighboring properties, but two pets did perish. With so many obstacles present, this was a challenging fire. Firefighters overcame these challenges and protected both neighboring houses. The fire is currently under investigation.