Homeowner Safe, Dog Dies In St. Louis County House Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A homeowner got out safely but a dog was killed in a northern Minnesota house fire Wednesday afternoon, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities responded at about 12:16 p.m. to a report of a house fire on the 5400 block of Poplar St. in Aurora. Several fire departments responded to the scene along with sheriff's deputies and the East Range Police Department.

When fire crews arrived, the house and garage were fully engulfed. The structures were destroyed in the fire and the homeowner was present, but was able to escape without injury. Authorities say a family dog was found dead inside the residence.

Authorities say the fire started inside the garage and appears to be accidental. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.