MASON CITY – Fire officials in Mason City confirmed that there were two fatalities as a result of a fire last week in the Central Heights neighborhood.
A house fire was reported at around midnight on August 27 at 1516 South Coolidge Avenue, owned by 62-year-old Jesse Pierce, who died in the incident. A woman who lived there with him, 59-year-old Cherie McClemons, died last week at an Iowa City Hospital.
Investigation found an ashtray between a chair cushion and arm of upholstered chair, and hot ash from a cigarette ignited chair fabric.
Officials estimate that there was $45,000 in losses due to the fire at the residence. Two cats were found deceased inside the structure as well.
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