Fire in rural Dubuque County

An electrical problem may be to blame for sparking a house fire in rural Dubuque County. Crews from five area departments were called out just before 12:30 Monday afternoon. The home is located along Hickory Valley Road about five miles southeast of New Vienna or about six miles northeast of Dyersville. According to investigators, the fire appears to have started near the electric box on the side of the house. They said it does not appear to have been intentionally set. Damage is estimated at $180,000. No one was home when the fire broke out.