MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Muscatine Fire Department responded to a house fire at around 12:20 p.m. today at 103 W. 11th. St. and was still on the scene battling the blaze after more than two hours.

Streets surrounding the 100 block of West 11th Street, including Iowa Avenue, were closed for several blocks.

Sue Cox, a resident of the home, watched the smoke billow to the sky as the firefighters worked to cut a hole in the roof for ventilation.

“I’ve got my family and the dog,” Cox said, as tears fell from her eyes “The only other things I grabbed (were) my Bible and my purse.”

She said she called the fire department after smelling smoke.

Cox is renting the home from James King, the property owner. Extensive damage is visible from the backside of the home. Her teenage son, Michael, and her grandchild were also in the house when the fire started.

Cox, a preacher at Carrington Place and a member of the Church of the Living Water, clasped her golden cross necklace as she spoke with friends who came to her side to console her.

The Muscatine Fire Department contacted the Red Cross.

Michael Cox said the bedrooms are on the second floor, where the home sustained substantial damage.

Persons interested in donating clothing to the Cox family should contact the Red Cross at 563-263-6124. Adult clothing and baby clothes in size 3T-4T are needed.