LE MARS, Iowa (KTIV) – A home in Plymouth County has been red-tagged as unlivable following a fire on evening of Saturday, Nov. 1st. Fire fighters with the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department were called around 6:40 p.m. to a fire in a home on Sadona Hills South, on the southwest side of Le Mars. When they arrived, crews saw a large fire and heavy smoke coming from the back of the house. Crews were on the scene for more than three hours battling the blaze and investigating.

No one was home at the time the fire started. Authorities told KTIV the most likely cause of the fire was lithium batteries that exploded while being charged. The damage to the home and contents is estimated at $475,000.

Two fire fighters reportedly sustained minor injuries while fighting the fire.