09/01/2025
From Sioux County Emergency Management:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic house fire that claimed lives this morning. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, first responders, and entire community grieving this unimaginable loss.
We stand with all the first responders who are dealing with this horrific tragedy. Please keep all of those affected and our community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
*9.4.25: Update on preliminary cause of fire from Granville Fire Chief added*
*9.2.25 at 10:25 a.m., original press release updated with the names and ages of the three deceased.
9.1.25, at 8:55 p.m., It is with deep sadness that we tell you a third person has now died as a result of injuries sustained in the September 1 early morning fire near Granville; the original press release has also been updated. *Granville Fire and EMS post this release:
On Monday, September 1, at 4:58 a.m., the Granville Fire and EMS Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 report of a residential fire that occurred at a residence on 430th Street, two and one-half miles northwest of Granville, IA.
Upon arrival at the location, Granville Fire discovered the residence to be filled with heavy smoke. Mutual fire assistance was received from the Hospers Fire Department.
Fire personnel discovered four persons inside the residence in critical condition; they were transported by ambulance services to Orange City Area Health where Kolten Hofmeyer, age 16, of Alton, IA died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. Three other victims were flown to specialty units at other hospitals for further treatment where Bryleigh Koob, age 16, and Ashton Koob, age 17, both of Granville, died as a result of their injuries. A third victim, a 16 year old male of Alton, IA, remains in critical condition at a hospital burn unit in Minnesota.
An update on 9.4.25 from the Granville Fire Chief: Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary findings indicate that there was an accidental electrical fire that originated in the living room area of the home.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Granville Fire Chief in conjunction with the Iowa State Fire Marshal.
The Granville Fire Department was assisted bMOC-Floyd Valley Community School Districtospers Fire Department, and ambulance services of Alton, Orange City, Granville, Hospers, Paullina and Sheldon.
MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District (MOCFV High School) faculty, staff, school resource officers, along with clergy and pastoral support from area churches will be available at the MOCFV High School this week for anyone connected to or affected by this tragic event and will remain available throughout this week.
We are created for community—for relationships that strengthen and sustain us. I’ve come to you before, Sioux County, to ask that you rally around a hurting and broken family, school, and community and we are in dire need again. In this sad tragedy, there are several families involved and a large community affected. This is heavy, heartbreaking and overwhelming.
Please stop and pray with us for everyone affected by this. Please continue to pray in the upcoming weeks. ~ Sheriff Van Voorst
