WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - 911 calls came by the dozens after a home in the 2400 block of Ridgewood Drive caught fire, shooting flames 30 feet into the air Saturday night.
The first calls came at 9:30; by 9:45 p.m. firefighters say fire had quickly advanced throughout the house.
At first, crews weren’t able to locate the homeowner, but then found her and her four dogs safe outside, covered in soot.
Firefighters say they found the woman shortly after the roof collapsed. Fire officials say the home was packed with belongings which made it hard to advance into the house.
Neighboring houses were evacuated, but fire officials say low winds helped prevent embers from spreading the fire.
Crews were on the scene into the early Sunday morning hours putting out hot spots.