Fire at WV house kills mom, 2 children, dog

Authorities say a mother and two children have died following an early morning fire at their West Virginia home.

Wheeling Fire Chief Larry Helms confirmed three deaths to local media outlets and department spokesman Philip Stahl later confirmed their relationships. A dog also died in the blaze.

Fire crews were dispatched to the two-story home shortly after midnight when neighbors reported seeing heavy smoke. Stahl said crews arrived to find flames rising out of the house, which sustained severe damage.

Stahl said firefighters found one victim downstairs and two others in rubble after the second floor collapsed. Officials did not release the names or ages of the victims.

The state fire marshal's office was at the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze.