First responders flocked to the site of a house fire in Tama last Friday morning that left one man and three dogs dead. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

TAMA – An individual was found dead after first responders were called to a house fire in the 600 block of Hall Street in Tama last Friday morning, according to a press release from the Tama Police Department.

The Tama PD, Tama Fire Department, Toledo Fire Department and Tama EMS were initially dispatched to the scene, and an arriving officer found heavy smoke and fire coming from the south side of the residence. The deceased individual, who has been identified as 53-year-old Matthew Edward Daniels, was found inside and transported to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office, and the fire was contained and extinguished, with personnel leaving the scene at 1:18 p.m.

Authorities have since reported that they believe fireplace embers caused the blaze, and no foul play is suspected. The victim’s three dogs also died as a result of the fire. The house has since been knocked down by a contractor at the order of the city council after an emergency meeting on Friday. Mayor Brian Hanus attributed “unsafe conditions” as the reason for the decision.

“We were afraid that the roof was going to collapse and knock out the one wall. We were also worried about people going into the house,” he said.

He added that the cost to the city will be assessed against the property.

During an emergency meeting last Friday afternoon, the Tama city council voted to demolish what remained of the house on Hall Street due to “unsafe conditions.” PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Assisting at the scene were the fire departments from Tama, Toledo, Chelsea and Montour, Tama EMS, Tama and Toledo Police Departments, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Tama County Medical Examiner’s Office.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS