On Saturday evening, December 2nd, 2017, at approximately 11:00 pm, Sully Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Sully. Kellogg, Lynnville and Reasnor Fire Departments were requested to assist during this fire.

On Sunday morning, December 3rd, 2017 at approximately 1:30 am, Prairie City Fire responded to a structure fire in Prairie City. Colfax and Monroe Fire Departments were requested to assist during this fire. Sometime during these two structure fires, someone tampered with and damaged water hydrants. Three of these hydrants were in the City of Reasnor, and one hydrant was located near the Central Iowa Water Association Water Tower east of Prairie City. One hydrant in Reasnor was damaged and unusable to the fire department. Central Iowa Water Association personnel were contacted and responded to stop the water loss. They estimated that approximately 300,000 gallons of water was lost.

Fortunately, the tampering of these two water sources did not impact the water supply of local fire departments during the two structure fires. We have initiated a criminal investigation. We do not believe the two structure fires were related, however we are investigating the coincidence of the water sources being tampered with during that time frame.

Not only could these acts have caused a significant impact on the safety of our local fire fighters and their ability to perform their duties, but could also impact the safety of citizens and protection of their property.

Anyone with information that may relate to the person or person(s) who damaged and tampered with these fire hydrants is asked to contact us at 641-792-5912.