Volunteer Firefighters Respond to House Fire South of Hurdland

By Echo Menges

Volunteer firefighters responded to another house fire in Knox County on Thursday, March 11, 2021. This marks the fourth structure fire within the county over the past several weeks.

The fire occurred at the Shaw/Klataske residence on Highway F approximately six miles south of Hurdland.

Kristy Shaw left the home to take her and Frankie Klataske’s daughters, ages 6, 9, and 10, to school. When she arrived back at the home a large amount of smoke came pouring out when she opened the carport door to the home.

Shaw entered the burning structure in an attempt to save two family pet dogs, a Great Dane and a Labrador. Unfortunately, the smoke was too heavy and the dogs could not be saved.

Firefighters from the Hurdland, Edina and Novelty/ Plevna Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the call, which was dispatched at approximately 9:00 a.m.. The Knox County Ambulance District also responded to the call and treated Shaw for smoke inhalation at the scene.

According to a firefighter on scene, the fire was contained to the kitchen and did not spread further into the house though the home was extensively damaged by fire, smoke and water.

The fire is believed to have started in the area of the stove.

According to Shaw the home is insured.