Des Moines house fire victim's name released

(Photo from Channel 13 WHO-TV)

(DES MOINES, Iowa)   Des Moines Fire Officials have released the name of a man  found dead in a house fire yesterday (Monday) in a neighborhood south of Broadlawns Medical Center.  Crews were called to 1603 Allison around 2:30 p.m.  Once inside, firefighters found the body of Emmitt Johnson, the homeowner.   

The fire was contained to the northeast corner of the home, which is where Johnson's body was found.   The Polk County Medical Examiner's office will conduct an autopsy.

Officials say the home did not appear to have any working smoke detectors.  No word on a cause of the fire.  The department is reminding homeowners, however, to use extra caution with space heaters.

Fire crews got some early assistance from Des Moines Police Officers, who were first on the scene, and used a garden hose to start putting out flames.


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