Ames homeowner’s quick actions save family, pets in house fire

AMES, Iowa —

The Ames Fire Department is applauding the quick actions of a homeowner after a house fire on Tuesday.

According to the fire department, crews responded to a fire reported at 250 S. Franklin Ave. shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The homeowner had reported the fire after being alerted by her smoke detectors and finding an active fire in a second-story bedroom. The fire department says the woman closed the door on the bedroom and evacuated her four children, as well as a dog and a cat. She then used a fire extinguisher to knock down the flames until firefighters arrived.

Firefighters on scene were able to quickly put out the rest of the fire and ensure it was fully out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Two cats were killed in the fire, and one firefighter wa