A house fire on Hedge Avenue claimed the lives of two dogs Monday evening, though no people were injured, according to the Burlington Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at 6:40 p.m. on April 28 to 624 Hedge Ave., where they arrived four minutes later to find the first floor of a one-and-a-half-story home fully engulfed in flames. Crews made entry and quickly brought the fire under control.
The home, owned by Michael and Audra Baker, was insured and equipped with working smoke alarms. The Bakers were not home at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire was determined to be a failed extension cord, and officials have ruled the fire accidental.
The Burlington Fire Department was assisted by Alliant Energy and Gas, West Burlington Fire Department, and Burlington Police. Fireground operations concluded at 8:35 p.m.
Fire Marshal Robert Berndt confirmed that damages are still being assessed.