Two hospitalized, pets perish in New Ulm fire Wednesday

Fire officials say two people required hospitalization after a New Ulm house fire that also killed animals in the home.

At about 5:48 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 New Ulm crews responded to a fire at 717 South Valley Street, where the kitchen was engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene.

Two residents who were home at the time were transported for medical care, and two cats also perished in the fire.

Crews were able to contain the fire to the kitchen, but the home suffered heavy smoke damage.  Firefighters remained on the scene for about an hour and a half.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.