Hayfield Fire Department responds to New Years Day House Fire

The Hayfield Fire Department responded to a house fire in Blooming Prairie on New Year’s Day.
As a result of the fire a man facing several medical problems is now staring at another challenge— finding a new place to live.
Ken Zylstra of Blooming Prairie has lost everything after fire swept through his residence early on New Year’s Day. Twenty-four  Blooming Prairie firefighters, assisted by firemen from Ellendale and Hayfield, fought the blaze on East Main Street near Arkema.
The two-story house was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call at 3:30 a.m.
Blooming Prairie Fire Chief Dean Naatz said the home, owned by Ken Zylstra, was destroyed. He was not at home at the time of the fire.
A home and a garage next door was also damaged to the sum of about $10,000, Chief Naatz said. Occupants of the home (names unavailable) were raised and removed from the house next door, Naatz reported.
A semi truck, parked on the Zylstra property, appeared to suffer no damage.
Zylstra has been fighting colon and liver cancer, which has left him with medical bills and time away from his job. He is a truck driver.
A gofundme campaign has been started to assist Zylstra with getting back on his feet. As of Sunday night, $1,910 had been raised of the $10,000
goal.
According to the gofundme posting, Zylstra had no home insurance because he couldn’t afford it after battling the medical issues. “He lost everything,” the posting read. “Ken is such a happy, loving, giving person who never hesitates to help others. Let’s reach out in this new year and help him through this difficult time.”
The funds raised will go to help Zylstra with costs of clean up, clothes, food and housing.
“Anything will help, it’s going to be a tough few months ahead for Ken,” the gofundme posting said. Anyone interested in contributing to help Zylstra can do so by reaching out to www.gofundme.com/ken- zylstra-house-fire.
In addition to the BP Fire Department and the departments  from Ellendale and Hayfield, the Blooming Prairie Ambulance Service, Steele County Sheriff’s Office and the Blooming Prairie Police Department were on the
scene.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the blaze.