Elderly woman, dog die in morning house fire in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- A 78-year-old woman from Racine and her dog died in a house fire early Wednesday, January 8th. She is identified as Marilyn Christensen.

A neighbor called 911 just after 8 a.m. when she noticed a front window on the victim's home on Webster St. had burst -- and smoke was billowing from it.

"I look out and… there's all this fire coming out," said Tami Tetzlaff.

Investigators say they do not know what caused the fire -- but it appears to be accidental. Officials believe the fire started in the living room. The victim was found in a bedroom. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

Neighbors say the victim had health issues and used an oxygen tank. Officials say while it appears the tank eventually burst, they do not believe it contributed to starting the fire.

FOX6 News learned the victim's family members live out of state -- and have been contacted by authorities.



Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.