Cause and origin of fire remains under investigation, authorities report
Authorities confirmed a person living in the home that was ravaged by fire in the Town of Spring Prairie Friday morning was found dead inside. The name of the victim has not been released.
“The fire was extinguished quickly and a single occupant of the home was located in the interior deceased,” a Friday night press release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office states.
The fire at N5465 Highway 120 was reported shortly after 8:30 a.m., Feb. 23, according to Richard Madouse, who was driving past the home, saw smoke and stopped to call 911.
Madouse said the man who was living in the home was transported from the scene, but no report on his condition was available from authorities at the time. A neighbor who did not give her name said Friday morning she also feared for the man who lived there.
Multiple fire departments, including East Troy and Lake Geneva, responded to the fire, which continued to produce heavy smoke until well after 9:30 a.m.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were seen entering and leaving the home with axes and other tools while still others were on top of the ranch-style home just south of Highway 11 cutting vents.
Utility trucks had responded as well and a We Energies employee was seen cutting the electrical wire that served the home.
Highway 120 was closed in the vicinity of the fire and traffic was rerouted while the scene was active.
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire, the press release states. Agencies assisting include the Sheriff and Medical Examiner’s offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
See next week’s Southern Lakes Newspapers’ publications for additional coverage.
