Burt, IA (KICD)– One person is presumed dead and another seriously hurt following a house fire early Thursday in Kossuth County.

The Burt Fire Department was notified of a two story home one fire at 404 Walnut Street around 1:30 Thursday morning with additional help being called in from the Algona, Titonka and Bancroft Fire Departments along with medical, law enforcement and emergency management personnel.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding units located a male victim that had escaped but was in need of immediate medical attention. He was taken to the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona and later life-flighted to the Iowa City Burn Unit with what are described as second-degree burns.

Crews also learned a woman was still inside but before firefighters could even attempt to enter the structure the roof collapsed destroying the home.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office has been contacted to assist with the investigation and the recovery of the woman believed to have been killed.