Fire destroys contents in basement of southeast Cedar Rapids home

Fire destroyed items inside the basement of a southeast Cedar Rapids home Tuesday, authorities said.

Firefighters were called around 9:55 a.m. to 826 17th St. SE when a neighbor reported flames coming from a basement window. Crews found heavy smoke on the first floor and continued down to the basement, where they were able to quickly contain the fire.

No one was home when the fire started. Owners Thomas and Kathy Patrick had been gone since 8 a.m., authorities said. Crews rescued a cat that had scurried upstairs, and other than some soot on its face, it appeared OK.

Officials said the fire appears to have started in a recreational room in the basement, where a couch, electronics and a space heater were stored.

"Everything down there is pretty much consumed," said Greg Buelow, fire department spokesman. "Based on what the homeowners told us, firefighters were not even able to find some of the items they described."

Smoke damage was reported in other areas of the house. An investigation was under way to determine the cause.