People and pets escape Petersburg house fire

Fire damaged a home in Petersburg early today, but the three residents escaped unharmed.

Two dogs also escaped the fire, but one required emergency oxygen at the scene and is receiving veterinary care, according to Petersburg Fire Battalion Chief Bobby Harvell.

Firefighters responded to the fire at about 5 a.m. and observed flames coming from two windows. The fire caused an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 in damage to the one-story brick rancher off Crater Road south of Walnut Hill Plaza.

The fire began in the home's den, where an electric curling iron had been left on accidentally, Harvell said.

The American Red Cross is assisting the home's displaced residents.