By Jolene FarleyThe Hills and Beaver Creek Fire Departments were called to a structure fire between 3:30 and 3:45 a.m. Thursday morning. "We were notified of the house fire with a person trapped on the second floor," Hills Fire Chief Doug Chapman said.When firemen arrived at 124 Main Ave., homeowner Nancy Sprouse and her dog were trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Sprouse was awakened by her smoke alarm but was unable to exit her residence because of smoke and heat on the first floor generated by the fire.She retreated to her bedroom, shut her door and opened a window. A brisk wind from the east helped provide ventilation.Firemen were able to rescue Sprouse with a ladder but were unable to save her dog."Without a fire alarm, I think there would have been a fatality there," Chapman said. The fire was confined mostly to the kitchen area where Sprouse had put a comforter in the dryer before going to bed.Officials haven’t determined if a malfunctioning dryer, clogged vents or the comforter overheating caused the fire.The blaze was under control in 10 to 15 minutes, but firemen remained on the scene for a few more hours, according to Chapman. Sprouse was examined by the Luverne Ambulance Service but refused further treatment. She had no burns or smoke inhalation, according to Chapman. Chapman estimates the house sustained $30,000 to $40,000 in interior damage but little structural damage. Sprouse is currently staying in a hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D.
