Fire damages Cedar Rapids home

Fire heavily damaged a southeast Cedar Rapids home early Wednesday afternoon.

Several fire engines rushed to 2042 Linn Blvd. SE around 1:30 p.m. The first crews there found smoke and fire on the first floor.

Homeowner Betty King, 58, had gone outside for just a few minutes when she heard the smoke alarms sound.

“When I came back in, there were already flames,” said King, soot still on her hands. “I smelled plastic.”

King was said initially that she was uninjured, but Fire Department Capt. Andy Olesen said emergency crews took her to a local hospital after some issues developed with King's health.

Olesen said King tried to save her dog, but was unsuccessful. Firefighters later found the dog, and Olesen said it was going to be OK.

Firefighters tore out part of the first-floor ceiling and tossed smoldering debris out on the front lawn.

Investigators ruled the fire accidental and said it was caused by an unattended lit candle, Olesen said.

The Red Cross was on the scene assisting King.

The house “is not livable,” Olesen said.