Two Harlan firefighters were injured at the scene of a residential structure fire Monday morning. According to our sister station KNOD, the firefighters were hurt when they fell on the ice near the blaze at 902 Tarkington Street, in Harlan. No other injuries were reported. The fire occurred at around 9:40-a.m.

The house was a total loss. Officials say the blaze started in the northwest corner of the house in a storage area. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Crews from the Westphalia and Avoca Fire Departments provided mutual aid to Harlan Fire. Harlan Police Officers and Medivac also assisted at the scene. Firefighters were on the scene for a little more than four hours.

The American Red Cross was called-in to assist the family with their housing needs. They will be staying at the Settle Inn and Suites tonight (Monday). The family of five lost everything in the fire and are in immediate need of clothing. The father wears a size large shirt and pants that are size 30 x 36. The mother wears a medium shirt and size 7 pants. There are also three children, a boy who wears size 4T, a girl that wears a size 2T, and a 1 month old girl that wears 0 to 3 months sizes.

Any children’s toys or books that can be used in a rather confined space would also be appreciated. Food is being provided by the Iowa Community Kitchen. Donations can be left at Christ’s Church at the corner of 12th and Lincoln, across from Elm Crest Retirement Community, from 4 to 5 pm today. Financial Donations and clothing donations may also be left with Town and Country Credit Union on Chatburn Avenue in Harlan.