BLOOMINGTON - A sleeping Bloomington couple awoke Thursday when their dog's barking warned them their home was on fire. | Video | Photo gallery

Firefighters saw heavy smoke coming from the back of the house at 11:43 a.m. Thursday at Monroe Street and Morris Avenue, said Bloomington Assistant Fire Chief Jim Tatman. He said the blaze, which was knocked down in about 15 minutes, caused heavy smoke damage throughout the house.

Homeowners Raymond and Angelika Powell stood in the driveway at 1020 W. Monroe and were comforted by friends. Roscoe, a chow-collie mix, was nearby.

"Smoke was billowing around my head," said Raymond Powell. "I woke her up - said the house is on fire."

The couple worried about other pets, including two dogs - a blonde chow-collie mix named Piccolo and a black long-haired Chihuahua named Lucy - and hoped they fled. The two dogs and one calico cat later were found dead in the house, firefighters said.

The couple said several other cats likely were outside.

"We had the door open," Angelika Powell said, so she was hoping they escaped.

Angelika Powell, who has a third-shift job, said her husband spent all night cleaning the basement, so they were asleep when the fire broke out.

Angelika Powell said it was unsafe to return to the smoke-filled house to try to save their dogs and cats.

Raymond Powell also was worried about family pictures being destroyed along with his collection of wolf paintings and figurines and other Southwestern items.

Raymond Powell said the detached garage was not damaged, but its contents were nothing they could use to furnish the house. The garage contained clothes destined for a thrift shop, but he noted they might be wearing some of those again.

Fire investigators are checking to find cause of the fire, but it is believed to be accidental, Tatman said.

Traffic was briefly blocked on Morris Avenue from Market Street to Washington Street during firefighting efforts.

The couple, who has lived at the home five years, has insurance. They said they will be staying with friends, but they hope the house can be fixed so they can move back in soon.

"I do hope so. I like this house," Angelika Powell said.

Those wishing to help the Powells can drop off donations at the McLean County jail, 104 W. Front St., where Angelika Powell has worked as a correctional officer since 2001. Donations can be left at the front window for Sgt. Cathy Maaks, who can also be reached at (309) 452-5190 to (309) 888-5065 to arrange pickups.