Cedar Rapids Fire Department responds to early morning house fire

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded to a fire early Wednesday morning.

Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said crews were called to 838 14th St. SE at 12:42 a.m. for a report of a house fire. Responding firefighters encountered light smoke coming from the roof area on the north side of the home, Buelow said. Police had assisted residents out of the home.

Buelow said fire was found in the attic and eaves area on the corner of the house. Firefighters pulled back the soffit in order to attack the fire. Ceiling and soffit from above the cabinets in the kitchen also were pulled back, which revealed smoldering insulation, ceiling joists and rafters, officials said.

The American Red Cross was called into assist the residents, Buelow said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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