By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – A fire in the Ironwood subdivision in Normal claimed the lives of two dogs and heavily damaged half of a duplex home.

Normal fire crews were called Tuesday around 11:14 a.m. to 713 Clairidge Country Club Green. A neighbor reported smoke coming from the home and that there may be two dogs inside and that the homeowner was not home.

According to a news release, fire was located on the main level of the home near the kitchen. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in about ten minutes and then worked to ventilate the heat and smoke from the home.

Rescue crews located two unresponsive dogs. Despite all efforts, neither dog survived. The homeowner was not home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported.

There was heavy fire damage in the main level near the kitchen and heavy smoke damage throughout the entire home. Authorities say the other half of the duplex was not affected.

Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]