13 dogs, 2 birds found dead after Iowa City house fire

IOWA CITY — Iowa City firefighters found 13 dogs and two birds dead Monday after responding to a fire in an Iowa City home, according to a news release from the Iowa City Fire Department.

The fire department was called to 2007 Bancroft Dr., just before 8 p.m. Monday for a carbon monoxide problem reported by MidAmerican Energy. The high levels of carbon monoxide in the home appeared to have been caused by a fire that self-extinguished because of a lack of oxygen before firefighters arrived, according to the release.

Firefighters found 13 dogs and two birds dead inside the home. The release does not state whether the animals died from the fire or the resulting carbon dioxide. One dog was found alive in the residence and was given lifesaving care by firefighters and the Johnson County Ambulance Service, the release states.

No human injuries were reported, but two residents were displaced from the home. The American Red Cross is helping them with temporary housing.

The fire caused an estimated $3,000 in damages. It is being investigated by the Iowa City Fire Marshal, the release states.

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