Cause of Washington County house explosion still undetermined

Investigators don't know how long it will take to determine the cause of a weekend house explosion in Washington County.

Joe Lestina of the Iowa state fire marshal's office, said Monday that he didn't feel comfortable putting a timetable on determining a cause.

"Sometimes it can take two days, sometimes it can take two months," Lestina said.  "What I can tell you is that there was an explosion and we are here to investigate."

Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar said as of Monday morning, his office isn't involved with the investigation.

"We're available to help," Dunbar said.  "But right now (the state fire marshal) is handling it."

Crews were called to 3070 192nd St. in rural Ainsworth late Saturday night after neighbors reported a house explosion.  No one was home at the time of the explosion, which reportedly was felt as far away as 15 miles.