September 14, 2025
On Sunday, September 13, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Deputy Dallas Dvorak noticed heavy smoke while driving eastbound on Highway 30 near the Exit 204 interchange. He investigated and found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames south of the railroad tracks, in a remote and hard-to-reach area in the 3400 block of N Avenue, just south of Highway 30.
Deputy Dvorak immediately notified dispatch. Tama Fire Department and Tama EMS were paged to the scene. Due to the thick brush and intensity of the fire, it was initially unclear whether anyone was inside the vehicle.
Once Tama Fire began knocking down the flames, an elderly male was found deceased in a deep ditch with standing water near the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Because of the unusual nature of the scene and its remote location, Chief Deputy Quandt and I also responded. To ensure a thorough and well-rounded assessment, we consulted with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Together, we reviewed the facts of the incident to make sure nothing was being overlooked and that we were all on the same page. While DCI did not respond in person, they also consulted with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Tama County Medical Examiner responded to the scene as well.
This was a tragic situation, and unfortunately, a life was lost. I want to recognize Deputy Dvorak for being alert and quick to act when he saw the smoke. His response brought attention to the fire early on and helped keep it from spreading further into the dry brush. With how dry the conditions have been recently, his timing likely prevented a much larger and more dangerous fire. I also want to thank the Tama Fire Department and Tama EMS for their quick response and hard work in a tough area to access. And I appreciate our Tama County Dispatchers for staying calm and professional, and for doing everything they could to get the right people to the scene as quickly as possible.
Deputy Andrew Batcheller also played a vital role in this investigation, and I want to thank him for his work and attention to detail throughout the incident.
This case remains under investigation. The individual’s next of kin has been notified, and the body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. At this time, no foul play is suspected.
Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt
