EAST CARONDELET, Ill. - Authorities are trying to figure out what caused an explosion and fire that destroyed a southwestern Illinois home and killed 13 dogs trapped in kennels inside.


Rhonda Tutor says the pets that died in the fire Monday afternoon in the St. Clair County village of East Carondelet were treated as if they were her kids, given that she couldn't have children.

The dogs included a dozen miniature pinschers and a pit bull.

The blaze broke out while Tutor wasn't home. Witnesses say they heard an explosion, then saw a fireball.

Two 13-year-old youths were taken into custody for questioning. There's no word on any charges.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.