Lac La Belle fatal fire; firefight complicated by strong winds, bitter cold

VILLAGE OF LAC LABELLE, Wis. - Western Lakes Fire District and the Village of Lac La Belle Police Department are investigating a fatal house fire on Washington Street.

Fatal house fire

What we know:

A news release from Western Lakes said firefighters responded to the single-family residence around 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18. The first units to get to the scene reported heavy smoke and visible flames. 

Despite the efforts of first responders and mutual aid partners, one person was found deceased inside the home, officials said. 

Battling more than fire

What they're saying:

Officials said firefighting crews faced extreme challenges, including high winds, a gas-driven fire, and rapidly decreasing temperatures. Significant wind chills also complicated operations and equipment maintenance.

"The weather was obviously not good last night – it was windy, it was cold," said Jeff Ziemann, neighbor.

Ziemann had stepped outside Thursday night and had to do a double-take.

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"I heard some popping sounds and I just knew that probably isn’t good," Ziemann said. 

Ziemann said the man who died in the fire was his 82-year-old neighbor. Ziemann said the man had recent health problems. 

"Sad to lose a neighbor," Ziemann said. 

At this time, investigators report no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding the origin of the fire.

Firefighting support

Dig deeper:

The Western Lakes Fire District was supported by several neighboring agencies including Lake Country Fire Rescue, Hartland Fire, Merton Fire, Ashippun Fire, City of Waukesha Fire, and Sullivan Fire. 

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While crews worked the scene, off-duty WLFD personnel and mutual aid partners staffed Western Lakes stations to ensure uninterrupted service to the community, handling subsequent calls for service.