Redfield fire department responds to Friday night house fire

By Shiloh Appel
At about a quarter after 9p.m. on Friday night, January 24th, the Redfield Fire Department responded to a house fire at Deb and Steve Erb’s residence in Redfield. Twenty-four firemen from the Redfield City and Rural fire departments battled the flames until 2a.m. Saturday morning, but problems with a fire hydrant kept the firefighters on site for much longer. The hydrant would not shut off until late Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, the Erbs were safe, but one firefighter obtained a cracked wrist due to slippery conditions.
“It’s one of the first injuries I’ve seen in the 36 years I’ve been on the fire department,” said city firefighter, Bob Tiff, “It was so icy out there, we might as well have had ice skates.”
The State Fire Marshal was on site to keep the property secured and he completed his inspection. The house obtained major, if not total, damage. However, the presumed cause of the fire is not yet being released to the public.
Nine firefighters stayed throughout the entire night on night watch in their utility vehicles, and the Redfield Ambulance stood by until 2 a.m.
In the meantime, Northern Electric shut off the power to protect against dangerous conditions with the power lines.
After a long night, firefighters went home at noon on Saturday.
“Thank you to all of the emergency responders and Northern Electric and Northwestern Public Service,” said Tiff.
Simply Charming is now raising funds for the Erbs. A fund jar is set out at Simply Charming in Redfield for anyone willing to donate. Any usable household items are also being accepted at the store. Donations can also be mailed to 608 North Main Street in Redfield.