(Estherville)--The Estherville Fire Department responded to two separate residential fire reports on Sunday and Monday, both involving homes that had filled with smoke. Estherville Fire Chief Travis Sheridan says both incidents caused only minor damage.

At approximately 5:20 a.m. Sunday, the Estherville Fire Department was paged to a local residence for a report of smoke inside the home. Sheridan says when fire officers arrived on scene, they found the occupant safely outside the residence speaking with law enforcement. Upon entering the home, officers discovered smoldering debris on the kitchen stove. The remaining debris was extinguished using water from the resident's kitchen sink.

Firefighters arrived shortly afterward and began ventilating the home to remove the smoke.

Crews also conducted overhaul operations on the exterior of the residence and removed the kitchen exhaust fan to inspect for possible fire extension into the wall.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes.

The Estherville Fire Department was assisted by the Emmet County Dispatch Center, Estherville Police Department, Emmet County Sheriff's Office, and Estherville Ambulance Service.

Then shortly before 12:40 p.m. Monday, the Estherville Fire Department was paged to another local residence for a report of smoke throughout the home.

When fire officers arrived on scene, they observed light smoke coming from the front door. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered a pile of clothing smoldering in the laundry room. Officers immediately removed the smoldering materials from the home and extinguished them with water outside.

Firefighters arrived shortly afterward and began ventilating the residence to remove the smoke. The cause of the fire was determined to be improperly discarded smoking materials.

The Estherville Fire Department remained on scene four about 4 and a half hours conducting an investigation and ensuring the fire had not extended into other areas of the residence.

The Estherville Fire Department was assisted by the Estherville Police Department, Estherville Ambulance Service, Estherville Electrical Department, Black Hills Energy, Wallingford Fire Department, and Iowa State Fire Marshal Division.