By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
At 1:09 a.m. Monday morning, March 31, the Freeborn County 911 dispatchers received a report of a house fire at 81030 320 St. NE, Ellendale at the home of Greg and Maureen Riley. The home is located about two miles east of Geneva at the interesection of Freeborn County Road 35 and County Road 26.
Upon resonding to the call, the Geneva Fire Department, the primary fire department of call, found the home entirely engulfed in flames. Greg Bartsch, Geneva Fire Chief, requested mutual aid from the Ellendale FD, Hollandale FD, Clarks Grove FD, Blooming Prairie FD and Ellendale Ambulance.A total of about 50 firemen battled the blaze for approximately three to four hours. The initial investigation leads to suspicion of accidental ignition by a hot charcoal grill that was located in the garage.
The residence, attached garage, as well as the vehicle in the garage, were a total loss. The cccupants of the home are being assisted by the Red Cross.