Firefighters rescued a dog and three puppies from a Burlington house where smoke was reported Friday afternoon. A fourth puppy, however, did not survive.
Deputy Burlington Fire Chief Don Ryan said the house at 644 Higbee Ave. sustained significant smoke and water damage. While the fire is believed to have started in a bedroom area of the home, Ryan said the cause was not immediately known, and that the investigation was ongoing. He said the fire may have smoldered for some time before smoke became visible outside and was reported.
The home, built in 2016 and owned by Whispering Pines Investments LLC of West Burlington, was being rented, Ryan said. The house was insured and had working smoke detectors, he said.
Ryan said the occupants were not home when the fire was reported at 5:18 p.m. Friday, but arrived on the scene after firefighters arrived.