Dog and cat die in Cedar Rapids house fire

CEDAR RAPIDS - A dog and a cat died Monday night in a Cedar Rapids house fire.

According to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, a neighbor reported smoke and flames coming from a single-story home at 3237 Dalewood Ave. SE shortly after 9 p.m. Responding crews encountered heavy fire in the home.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the main body of the fire and worked for an additional hour to make sure the fire had not spread, officials said.

Crews discovered two deceased pets - a dog and a cat - while going through the home, the fire department said.

A neighbor was able to enter the home and rescue one dog.

Authorities said the homeowner is in Florida.

The fire, which firefighters said caused significant damage to the home, is under investigation.

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