Police in Red Oak say an 11-year old male faces a Reckless use of Fire charge, following an investigation into a garage/house fire that took place Wednesday evening. The youth’s name was not released because of his age. The blaze, which was reported at around 7:15-p.m., Wednesday, destroyed a residence at 211 West Reed Street. Authorities filed charges upon completion of a joint investigation by officials with Red Oak Police, Red Oak Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce told KJAN News Thursday, that the blaze appeared to have started in a garage next to the home, which had been converted into three apartments.  The Chief says the first crews on the scene saw flames shooting out of the garage, which extended into the two-story residence. Two people resided in one of the apartments, but they were able to safely escape, despite having no working smoke detectors to alert them to the danger.

He said because the building had gone through numerous renovations, there were three voids, or spaces between the apartments, that made the fire hard to fight. Mutual aid was requested from the Elliott, Villisca, and Essex Fire & EMS, Emerson and Stanton Fire, and assistance from several emergency agencies, such as the Red Oak Police, Montgomery County Communications, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County EMA, and the American Red Cross.

Crews were on the scene for about five-hours. No injuries were reported. The home was a total loss.