Two Children Perish in Northern Iowa Fire

GRAETTINGER, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say two boys have died after a northern Iowa house fire.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office says firefighters and other emergency workers were sent to the home in Graettinger around 6:30 a.m. Monday. Firefighters say they found 27-year-old Stephanie Gaston outside the house, telling for help. She had been able to escape but couldn't reach her children.

Firefighters say they went in and found 5-year-old Gavin Hasbrouck and 7-year-old Collin Reed, who were taken to Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg with their mother. Authorities say the boys were pronounced dead at the hospital. Gaston was transferred to a hospital in Iowa City.

Fire investigators say the blaze began in the living room.

Graettinger is located about 40 miles southwest of Fairmont.