Creston Fire Dept. responds to report of smoke from a corn elevator

News

February 6th, 2026 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, IA) – Officials with the Creston Fire Department report crews responded a  little after 3-p.m., Thursday, to a report of smoke coming from the top of a corn silo at NEW Cooperative on E. Howard Street, in Creston. The caller reported no flames, but an area at the top of the silo appeared scorched.
The first firefighters on the scene observed smoke, and were led by a company employee to the site for further investigation. Authorities say it was suspected that a malfunctioning piece of equipment had created a spark that caused the corn to smolder. Available off-duty career/Part-time and volunteers also arrived to assist, fully mobilizing the department’s trucks.

Photo credit: Chuck Spindler, CFD via Facebook

Firefighters connected a high-rise hose pack to their ladder truck, which allowed them to reach the top of the silo. They opened a hatch to flow water into the silo and onto the smoking equipment. At that time, additional mutual aid resources from were requested from the Afton Volunteer Fire Department and the Osceola Fire Department. Osceola’s tower truck reached the top of the silo, and provided additional resources and improved water flow.
Crews completed their assignment at around 6:15 p.m.