An early morning house fire in western Iowa had family members and neighbors of a woman who lived by herself fearing the worst this morning.

Fire fighters from the Cass County Communities of Lewis, Atlantic and Griswold were called to a blaze at a home in Lewis just after four o’clock this morning. Friends and neighbors told authorities they were sure a woman believed to be in her 20’s was in the home along with her dog, and that she may not have gotten out.

By the time fire fighters arrived moments after the 9-1-1 call, the house was completely engulfed in flames. By six A.M., officials and the family were relieved to learn the woman had been staying with a friend in Clarinda, and was not home when the fire started.

Sadly, though, there’s word that her dog and a cat may have perished in the flames. The State Fire Marshal?s office is investigating the cause of the blaze.