KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | UPDATE: Crews battle house fire near Independence

UPDATE: Crews battle house fire near Independence

A number of fire departments were called to battle a house fire near Independence Friday morning.

The Independence Fire Department was first called to 2112 215th Street, just east of Independence, just before 8:00 a.m. Friday morning.

When they arrived, firefighters found flames shooting from the two-story home. They say the fire may have started near the fire place and chimney.

Tim Miller and his son have lived in the home for eight and a half years. They were not there at the time of the fire. Miller said he was getting his car fixed in Oelwein and didn't have his phone with him so his son quickly drove the 15 miles to the mechanic and told him the house was on fire.

Officials say there is 50% smoke and water damage in the home. They say roughly there may be 70,000 to 80,000 dollars worth of damage. 

Independence did call Jesup and Winthrop for mutual aid. There were some issues fighting this fire because of the ice, snow, and location of the home. The house is tucked behind some wooded area which made it tough to get to.