Heat lamp cause of South Austin house fire

An early morning house fire in South Austin kept crews busy. It happened just before 1 a.m. in the 12000 block of Emerald Oaks just off Brodie Lane.

Firefighters arrived on scene and heavy flames were showing in the two story home. They were able to get the fire under control within a matter of minutes.

The people inside, including two dogs, made it out safely. A pet tortoise did not and died.

The fire caused about $60,000 worth of damage. 

Investigators have ruled the cause accidental due to a heat lamp being too close to combustibles.