Fighting fire in freezing temps - UPDATED

A home owned by Dan and Ellen Mathison was destroyed following an explosion and fire Wednesday, Jan. 23. A neighbor called 911 around 4:30 p.m. following an explosion at the home. Firefighters from New Prague were joined by Elko New Market, Prior Lake and Jordan in fighting the fire. In addtion, a Rehab trailer from the Mdwakanton Fire Department was on the scene.

New Prague Fire Chief Jerry Novak said the state fire marshal is investigating the fire. No one was home and a family dog in the home escaped unharmed. Novak said a long, narrow driveway along with cold temperatures caused some difficulty in fighting the fire.

The home was located on Balsa Circle in northeastern Cedar Lake Township.