Cedar Rapids man declared dead at scene of mobile home fire

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man was declared dead at the scene of a mobile home fire Monday morning.

Cedar Rapids Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Giachino said crews were called to a fire at a mobile home at 3701 16th Ave. SW at 7:34 a.m. Firefighters arrived on the scene four minutes later and encountered flames showing from the back of the home.

Firefighters entered the home and found Ronald and Karen Jacobs, both 72, inside, Giachino said. Ronald was declared dead at the scene by the Linn County Medical Examiner, Giachino said. Karen was transported to an area hospital via Area Ambulance. The extent of her injuries is not known at this time. A cat was also in the residence.

The cause of death for Ronald Jacobs is still under investigation.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of fire. Giachino said the residence is a total loss.

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