Update: Unattended Candle Caused Weekend Ash Street Fire

(Update Jan. 23, 1:58 p.m.) The Iowa City Fire Department has completed its investigation of Saturday morning's house fire on Ash Street.

According to a fire department press release, fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by an unattended candle in a bedroom that ignited nearby combustibles. They have deemed the cause to be accidental.

Here are some candle safety tips from the release:

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down, put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

One person injured, two pets perish in the blaze

One person was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries and two animals perished after a fire ripped through a home at 1132 Ash St. on Saturday morning.

According to a press release from the Iowa City Fire Department, firefighters received a call at 6:10 a.m. of a structure fire. Two fire engines and a Battalion Chief responded from different stations.

When fire crews arrived, they noted heavy smoke coming out of the roof of a two story house. All of the occupants were reported being out of the house safely, although one person was taken by Johnson County Ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for injuries sustained from the fire.

The fire was extinguished roughly a half hour after firefighters arrived. Three people were displaced by the fire and were assisted by the Red Cross. MidAmerican Energy and the Iowa City Police Department assisted the fire department.

Two animals, a dog and a cat, were not able to be saved from the blaze.

Fire crews remained on the scene until a little before 8 a.m. in the morning.

Damage from the fire was estimated to be $50,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Manuel T. Trevizo, Jr., has the deed to the house, which is listed as a residential home built in 1975, according to the Iowa City Assessors website.