Dousman house fire; 21 pets dead, 11 animals resuscitated
Dousman structure fire
DOUSMAN, Wis. - The Western Lakes Fire District said several pets died in a Dousman house fire on Saturday, June 13.
What we know:
According to Western Lakes Fire District, the first 911 calls came in around 2:09 p.m. Neighbors reported smoke coming from the home and dogs barking inside.
Officials said neighbors tried to get inside to rescue the animals, but heavy smoke and fire conditions kept them from entering.
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The first crews arrived around 2:13 p.m. and found smoke coming from the front of the home and a working fire. The incident was upgraded, bringing in mutual aid from Lake Country Fire Rescue, the city of Waukesha and Kettle Moraine fire departments.
Crews began an interior fire attack and search. Firefighters pulled 16 dogs and 16 cats from the home.
Medical and fire crews used pet oxygen masks and performed resuscitation efforts on the animals. Officials said six dogs and five cats were resuscitated. Twenty-one pets died.
The residents were not home at the time of the fire. No civilians or firefighters were injured.
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Officials said the fire does not appear to be suspicious or intentionally set. The area of origin has been narrowed to the laundry/utility room.
Dig deeper:
The fire remains under investigation by Western Lakes Fire District and the Village of Summit Police Department, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation Fire Marshal’s Office.
Western Lakes Fire District also reminded people to close doors behind them when evacuating a fire. Officials said keeping doors closed can help limit airflow, slow the fire’s spread and preserve survivable space.
The Source: Western Lakes Fire District provided information in this report.