Fire crews spent several hours putting out a fire that engulfed an entire residence in Yale Thursday.

Yale, Jamaica, Bagley, and Panora Fire Departments were called at 12:50 p.m. for a fire at the residence of James Vaughan at 1018 North Street. Panora Fire was later disregarded, while the three other departments remained on scene until about 5:30 p.m. Bagley Fire Chief and Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator Jeremy Cooper says the fire was caused by a generator that was running up against a wall in the garage. The generator was believed to have been running since about 7:30 that morning due to a power outage in the City. Cooper notes the garage overhead door was open, which led to strong wind flow building up the fire. Vaughan was asleep when the fire began and was alerted by passersby who spotted flames in the garage. He and his dog escaped the house uninjured, but a cat is still missing.

Panora Emergency Medical Services, Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Alliant Energy, and American Red Cross responded to the scene. The house is considered a total loss. Cooper reminds residents that in the case of a power outage this winter, generators should never be used in an enclosed area, and that they should be placed outside and away from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.