Firefighters in Dousman faced one of the toughest kinds of calls on Saturday, June 13, when they responded to a single-family home fire that left several family pets dead and others barely hanging on. Neighbors reported smoke, and arriving crews found both smoke and flames, prompting firefighters to head inside for an aggressive search. Rescue personnel performed CPR and administered oxygen to multiple dogs and cats at the scene, but despite their efforts, some animals did not survive.
According to FOX6 News Milwaukee, the Western Lakes Fire District wrote on its Facebook page that crews were dispatched after a neighbor spotted smoke, and that firefighters encountered flames upon arrival. The station reports that several dogs and cats were located inside and that responders attempted resuscitation; multiple animals were brought back, but several died. The Western Lakes Fire District, which serves Dousman and nearby communities and lists a station in the village on its website, describes its coverage area and facilities at Western Lakes Fire District.
Investigation Under Way
The Western Lakes Fire District, the Summit Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation's State Fire Marshal's Office are all involved in investigating what sparked the blaze, officials told FOX6. The station reported that "multiple animals were resuscitated. However, several died." Authorities have not released the home's address or an official cause, and are keeping details close while investigators continue their work.
How To Protect Pets
In the wake of incidents like this, local preparedness advocates stress some simple but life-saving steps: keep carriers and leashes near exits, make sure pets are microchipped and wearing up-to-date tags, and pull together a pet emergency kit with food, water, medication and a current photo. The American Red Cross and Ready.gov provide pet first-aid tips along with checklists to help households plan and practice escape drills; see the American Red Cross and Ready.gov for more. Anyone with information about the Dousman fire is asked to contact the Summit Police Department via summitpd.org.
