Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Spencer Fire and Police departments were dispatched to an apartment building Monday night after smoke had filled the hallway of the structure at 611 East 19th Street.

Nobody was home in Apartment 17 so forced entry was made. The smoke was coming from a tortoise tank where a heat lamp had fallen inside, and the wood chips used as bedding had started to smolder.  The crew arrived at about 5:30 and was on the scene until around 6:30 helping to clear smoke from the building.

The tortoise is ok. Assistant Chief Mark Stover reminds the public to install heat lamps according to the manufacturer’s instructions and to make sure they are securely fastened so they don’t fall.