(Estherville)--The Estherville Fire Department responded to a house fire early this(Tuesday) morning on the north side of town.
Estherville Fire Chief Travis Sheridan says shortly before 2:30am, firefighters were called to a kitchen fire at 920 North 13th St. Sheridan says a resident of the house was taking a shower when they heard a popping noise. They went upstairs and found the kitchen on fire. The residents of the house had safely evacuated when firefighters arrived on scene. Sheridan says firefighters were informed that there were two pet dogs and three pet birds inside the home,
Firefighters initiated a defensive fire attack from outside the structure to knock down the flames and create safer conditions for entry crews. Once the fire was brought under control, firefighters advanced into the residence to extinguish the remaining fire and begin overhaul operations.
While one crew worked in the kitchen area to locate and extinguish remaining hot spots, another crew searched the residence for the missing family pets. Firefighters were able to locate and safely rescue both dogs from a back bedroom without injuries. Unfortunately, the family's three pet birds did not survive the fire.
Sheridan says there was extensive damage to the interior of the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been electrical in nature.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced family, consisting of two adults, three children, and their pets.
Firefighters were on scene for about two and a half hours.
The Estherville Fire Department was assisted on scene by Emmet County Dispatch, the Estherville Police Department, the Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Estherville Ambulance Service, Wallingford Fire Department, and Estherville Electric Utility.
