CONTRIBUTED PHOTO This 55-gallon barrel being used as a makeshift stove was the apparent cause of a house fire at 712 N. 5th Ave. in Marshalltown on Monday.

On Monday just after 1 p.m., the Marshalltown Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 712 N. 5th Ave.

Upon arrival, the fire department found light smoke coming from the rear of a small single-story house. Fire crews found a small fire in the ceiling at the rear of the residence that was quickly extinguished and overhauled.

There were no utilities attached to the house, and it was determined that the fire was caused by the use of a 55-gallon barrel as a makeshift wood stove inside the residence. No civilians or firefighters were injured during the incident, and Marshalltown firefighters were at the scene for approximately one hour.

Marshalltown Police and UnityPoint EMS assisted at the scene. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Marshalltown Fire Department with questions at 641-754-5751.