Elderly Urbandale Man Dies in Fire that Destroyed Home

An 88-year-old Urbandale man who died Saturday in a house fire in the 2900 block of 88th Street has been identified as Donald Running.

Fire officials said he likely died of smoke inhalation in the fire that started around 3:30 a.m., the Des Moines Register reported.

Running owns the home. A renter who lives in the basement was not home at the time of the fire, according to the newspaper.

Firefighters from Johnston, Clive,  West Des Moines and Windsor Heights helped battle the blaze, which  caused so much damage officials may not be able to determine its cause. When firefighters arrived at the scene, fire coming from the basement had extended to the first floor and the attic.

Urbandale Fire Chief said the house, which was valued at $103,000, was a total loss.