The Dedham Volunteer Fire Department was the first team on the scene of an explosion and fire at the home of Richard and Denise Schultes just a mile and a half south of Dedham on Olympic Ave. Sunday afternoon. Fire Chief, Pat Sporrer, says they believe the source of the explosion was most likely a gas leak in the basement. They received the call at approximately 4:05 p.m. and arrived on the scene to find Richard and one of the eldest of the two Schultes’ children standing in the yard.
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Richard told emergency responders it was difficult for him to find his way out of the house after the explosion because of the dust created after the structure, literally, dissolved around him. He said he was thrown around some during the incident and was later transported for medical treatment. Sporrer said fire crews were on scene until about 12:30 a.m. this morning (Monday), and they returned at about 5:30 a.m. to put out some hot spots. They are now awaiting the return of the State Fire Marshal yet today. Sporrer says an ongoing issue made them aware of the likely source of the explosion.
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This incident, he says, hits really close to home in a hurry. He arrived at the scene within minutes and says it was horrific to see the single-story home already three-quarters gone. However, they are all grateful that there were no major injuries.
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The Templeton and Coon Rapids Fire Departments along with Carroll Medic two, Templeton Medic four and Coon Rapids Medic seven assisted at the scene. Family and community members have already rallied around the Schultes family to provide them a place to stay and to get clothing and personal item donations to them right away. Richard is a self-employed trucker and auctioneer and Denise works for an insurance company in Coon Rapids. They have two young sons. Plans for a fundraiser are already being discussed and Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more details on ways to help the Schultes family as these plans get solidified.