WATERLOO - A fire that claimed a mobile home was accidental, according to officials with Waterloo Fire Rescue.

A neighbor spotted smoke and flames coming from 3219 Bristol Road at about 11 a.m. Thursday.

The residents, Jesse and Jessica Huntley, were at work when the blaze broke out, and the child was staying with relatives, firefighters said.

Flames burned a hole in the exterior living room wall and roof and filled the rest of the home with thick smoke, said Capt. Steven Weliver.

Fire crews kept the flames from spreading into the bedroom areas.

Two pet cats perished in the fire, Weliver said.

Fire officials said the blaze started with a short in a wire leading to an outdoor fixture.

The Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing the family with emergency shelter.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.