(WATERLOO, Iowa) The Waterloo Fire Department says two children died after an early morning house fire.
Nine-year-old Amari Burkett and six-year-old Ava Everman died at a local hospital.
Firefighters say the fire was reported around 4 a.m. at 1815 Commercial Street. Those reporting the fire, including a third child from the home, who sprayed water from a garden hose, until firefighters arrived.
Firefighters pulled the children's mother from the house. She was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals in critical condition. Officials say several pets died in the fire.