Firefighters respond to a house fire at 1227 Belmont Parkway NW, Saturday, February 11, 2012. The fire displaced a family of five and their live-in friend. (Cedar Rapids Fire Dept.)
CEDAR RAPIDS – A family of five and their live-in friend are displaced after a Saturday morning house fire ravaged their home.
According to a news release, two boys, age six and seven, noticed the fire in their home at 1227 Belmont Parkway NW shortly before 10:30 a.m. The boys grabbed one of their dogs, and went to a neighbor’s house. They told the neighbor that the family’s live-in friend was still in the basement, as well as one of their dogs, the release said.
The neighbor ran across the street and pounded on the door of the one-story home as smoke poured from the living room, the release said. Dave Hoeper, 38, escaped, and the Fire Department was called at 10:26 a.m.
Firefighters discovered heavy smoke and flames consuming the stove and cabinets, and another fire crew rescued the second dog, the release said.
According to the news release, the kitchen area sustained heavy fire, heat, and smoke damage. Crews also had to remove much of the ceiling to check for fire extension. The house is uninhabitable.
The fire started on the kitchen stovetop, which the investigation determined was unintentionally left on by one of the boys, the release said.
Corey and Caroline Rustand own the home, and live there with their three children and friend. The American Red Cross is providing temporary housing.
