WATERLOO - A Waterloo man said someone broke into his home early Wednesday and set it on fire after stealing a TV, video games and other items.

The blaze at 3847 Wagner Road was discovered by a passer-by shortly after 2 a.m. while the residents were away.

Owner Terry Fisher Jr., 41, was at a friend's house at the time.

His son, 20-year-old Scott Fisher, was driving home from work when fire trucks passed him.

"My boy called me at about 2:18 a.m. and told me the house was on fire," Terry Fisher said.

Firefighters found flames coming from a living room window when they arrived.

"They got it out right away," Terry Fisher said.

Even so, the fire caused extensive damage to the living room and spewed heavy smoke into the rest of the home.

Red Cross workers are helping the father and son with temporary shelter.

Authorities are investigating the blaze and haven't officially determined the cause, said Fire Marshal Steve Jordan.

Terry Fisher said the burglar got in the house through the back door, marring it with pry marks.

Missing from inside was a big-screen TV from Terry Fisher's bedroom, a safe, Xbox video game system, coin collection and stereo receiver.

Terry Fisher believes someone set the fire to cover up the burglary.

He has lived at the home for about 18 years.

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