An electric powered lamp that was on the floor in the living room of Julie Geopfert’s Fort Dodge home is the likely cause of a fire that killed two pets and ruined the house Thursday, according to Fort Dodge Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter.

“We think the most probable cause was an electric powered lamp,” he said.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department was dispatched to 325 Second St. N.W. at 2:07 p.m. Thursday.

When fire crews arrived, heavy smoke encompassed the one-story frame house. Flames were visible in the back half of the home.

Geopfert, who is known in the community for her involvement with the Webster County Democrats, was not home when the fire broke out.

She said she left a little after 7 a.m. that day.

Geopfert said she was called by a neighbor shortly after the fire became visible.

Firefighters conducted an interior attack to get the fire knocked down.

Hergenreter said firefighters were aware that two family dogs were inside the home, but were unable to save them.

The home had extensive smoke damage throughout, with heavy fire damage in the living room, bedroom and attic.

The house is not liveable, according to Geopfert’s daughter, Nikki Fox.

Fox, who lives out of state in Colorado, has set up a GoFundMe page for her mother with the title “Fire Recovery.”

On the page, Fox said Geopfert wasn’t able to carry insurance because she didn’t have a furnace.

“I’m doing what I can from Colorado to help get her back on her feet,” Fox said on the page. “Hopefully this can get her into an apartment and some furnishings just to get her started in her new world. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she starts over again. Thank you for any support you give big or small, it means everything.”