Authorities say a father, his adult son and the family dog were killed in a Saturday morning house fire in Brookfield. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and reports of people trapped inside. One victim was taken to Froedtert Hospital, where they later died, while another person and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene. Three police officers were hurt while responding and were taken to local hospitals, and officials said no firefighters were injured.
In a news release, Brookfield Fire Chief Chris Cass said crews were dispatched at 7:13 a.m. and reached the home at about 7:20 a.m., encountering intense fire conditions and immediately launching search and rescue efforts. The blaze was brought under control at 7:48 a.m., according to TMJ4. Firefighters remained on scene into the late morning while investigators began working to determine where and how the fire started.
Relatives later identified the victims as 26-year-old Dylan Wall and 66-year-old Thomas Wall, and said the family’s dog, Django, also died, as reported by WISN. Neighbors told reporters they woke up to thick smoke and flames, rushed outside and tried to help before fire crews arrived. Family members said a GoFundMe has been created to help cover funeral expenses.
Neighbors also said police were on scene before firefighters and tried to get into the locked home while bystanders pounded on doors, hoping to reach anyone inside. Fire crews cut a hole in the roof to attack the flames from above, and three officers were injured during the response and taken to the hospital, according to TMJ4. The fire department reported that no firefighters were hurt.
Investigation and mutual aid
The Brookfield Fire Department said it is working with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the fire’s origin and cause. Officials said the blaze does not appear to be suspicious, according to CBS58. The department also thanked neighboring agencies for mutual aid, including New Berlin, Pewaukee, the Town of Brookfield, the City of Waukesha, Elm Grove, Menomonee Falls, Lake Country Fire & Rescue and Tess Corners, as reported by GMToday. Investigators said the case remains active and asked anyone with video or information to contact authorities.
Smoke alarm reminder
In the wake of the fire, officials and national safety advocates again urged residents to make sure smoke alarms are installed and working. The National Fire Protection Association reports that roughly three out of five home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms. The NFPA advises installing alarms inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, and testing them monthly, according to CPSC. Officials note that interconnected alarms, fresh batteries and a practiced escape plan give families the best chance to get out of a fast-moving house fire.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or home surveillance footage from the area to contact the Brookfield Fire Department or Waukesha County officials as the investigation continues. This story will be updated as more details are released.
