Date:  08-05-2021  

Case:  House Fire 21-26641   

Authority:  Lieutenant Hope Demler 409

On Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 9:45 PM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a house fire, at 2099 E. Moraine Dr. in the Town of Farmington, Washington County. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies, Boltonville Fire Department and the Fillmore Fire Department responded to the scene.

The residence is a single family home. The homeowner called 911 and advised that the south east side of the house was on fire including the roof. Four adults, one child, and 2 dogs were able to evacuate prior to first responders arrival. Boltonville Fire personnel arrived on scene and began fire suppression efforts and extinguished the flames.

The homeowner told deputies that he was burning cardboard today on a burn pile between 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM. The burn pile was located approximately 15 yards north east of the residence. The homeowner stated he believed the fire burn pile had smoldered out so he went inside. The homeowner stated at around 12:30 PM the grass around the house started on fire and he extinguished the flames with a garden hose. The homeowner again believed the fire was extinguished. Then at approximately 9:40 PM the occupants of the residence smelled smoke, the homeowner ran outside and saw that the south east corner of the house was on fire as well as the grass next to the house.

The fire was contained to the south east corner of the residence as well as the roof of that area. There were large portions of grass and brush on the north, east and south side of the property burned. The interior of the home sustained heat, smoke and water damage. The fire, smoke and heat damage is estimated at $80,000.  The origin and cause of the fire was investigated by the Boltonville Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. It appears hot embers from the burn pile started the grass on fire which then spread to the brush on the south east side of the house. The fire ultimately spread to the residence. The cause of the fire appears to be accidental from an unattended burn pile.

The Boltonville Fire Department was assisted by the Fillmore Fire Department. Kewaskum Fire Department Ambulance also assisted on scene.  One adult was evaluated for smoke inhalation. One feline companion is unaccounted for.

No fire or police personnel were injured.