MARINETTE, Wis. (WFRV) – A Marinette resident is currently without a home after a fire spread from the outside of the house due to hay and an electric blanket used to thaw frozen water pipes sparked flames.
According to the Peshtigo Fire Department, crews spent hours at a house fire on Thursday, January 29, in the N2000 block of Shore Drive in Marinette.
After reports of a fully engulfed house fire around 2:10 a.m., firefighters quickly responded and made sure that the resident and their two dogs made it out safely.
Appleton house fire contained in 15 minutes, damage estimated at $75,000
Crews were met with heavy flames on the exterior of the home that was extending along the roof eaves and into the home’s second story.
Flames were quickly put out, including heavy fire in the stairway and on the second story. However, firefighters spent the next three hours searching for and putting out hot spots.
The damage was limited to the second story and attic, but significant water and smoke damage throughout the first floor made the home uninhabitable.
Oshkosh Fire Department receives five service calls within eight minutes
Crews say that an investigation determined that the fire started outside of the home where “some hay was piled up and being used along with an electric blanket to thaw out frozen water pipes.” The burning hay reportedly ignited the siding before burning through the walls and spreading.
The scene was clear around 5:50 a.m. No injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross will be assisting the homeowner.
