The Dubuque fire marshal said eight people were living in a home where a fire started late Tuesday night, which was actually being used as a sort of homeless shelter.
Fire Marshal Mark Burkle said the fire started about 9:00 Tuesday night at 586 Loras Boulevard in Dubuque. Ambulances took a man and woman to local hospitals with serious injuries. Burkle and Dubuque Police Department are still investigating the cause, but the fire originated in the basement.
Tom Johnson and his son Ben Johnson are renting the three-bedroom home. Tom confirmed to TV9 that he and his son opened up the home to people in need. Their work is done under the non-profit Anawim Catholic Worker, according to Tom. They call it a "house of hospitality".
There were six guests in addition to Tom and his son living in the home. However, only two guests were inside the house when the fire broke out. Burkle said it can be dangerous to have that many people living in a small house.