April 25, 2024

NFD responds to fire at St. Stephen’s church

Cigarette cause of fire

By Kayla Langmaid

The Newton Fire Department responded to a fire outside of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Monday afternoon. Church members extinguished the fire that was believed to be caused by a cigarette. (Kayla Langmaid)

The Newton Fire Department responded to a fire at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Monday afternoon after people inside the church saw smoke through a window.

Fire Marshal Mike Knoll said the department was called around 12:15 to the east side entrance. Knoll said the fire was caused by a cigarette and caused approximately $1,000 in damages.

Knoll said a church member used a fire extinguisher and called the fire department. Some of the church’s siding and a bench were damaged, as well as a part of the roof.

Church member Jim Tracy said there is a place to dispose cigarettes outside of the church that is emptied regularly.

Knoll said there were no reported injuries.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com