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Sturgeon Bay House Fire Claims One Life

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 7:46 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Sturgeon Bay Tragedy: One Person Fatally Injured in a House Fire

A quiet evening in the Door County town of Sturgeon Bay turned into a scene of tragedy when a residential structure caught fire on Tuesday night, claiming the life of a single resident. The incident, reported by FOX 11 Online, brings to the fore the stark reality that even in small‑town America, domestic fires can strike swiftly and with devastating effect.

The Incident

According to the article, the blaze broke out around 9:45 p.m. at a two‑story home on the south side of the city, near Main Street. The house, built in the early 1900s, had recently undergone a renovation of its kitchen and electrical system—though firefighters and investigators have not yet confirmed a definitive cause. The fire appeared to originate in the kitchen area, a common hot spot for domestic fires, and quickly spread to the adjoining living room and second‑floor bedrooms.

Sturgeon Bay Fire Department units, led by Captain Lyle D. Hargreaves, arrived within minutes of the 9:00 p.m. call. The fire was “extremely intense” by the time the crew had the upper level under control. Despite their best efforts, the crew found a single victim—a 48‑year‑old man named Matthew L. (last name withheld for privacy)—trapped in the master bedroom on the second floor. He was rescued from a smoke‑filled room, but was pronounced dead at the scene. He had suffered fatal smoke inhalation and burns that were described as “extensive.”

Captain Hargreaves emphasized that the quick arrival of the fire department—within 8 minutes of the call—likely saved several neighbors from a potentially larger tragedy. He said, “Our crew arrived, worked to get the fire out, and made every effort to rescue any residents. Unfortunately, we lost one life, but we are grateful to have prevented further damage to the neighborhood.”

Response and Investigation

The article notes that Sturgeon Bay Police Department, along with the Wisconsin State Patrol, dispatched an incident command team to secure the scene and begin an initial investigation. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, the team is focusing on the kitchen’s electrical outlets, as well as a possible malfunction in the recently installed appliance.

A fire investigator from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) visited the site as part of the ongoing assessment. The investigator is to determine whether the fire started from a faulty wiring configuration, an overloaded outlet, or a cooking accident. “We will be looking at the kitchen wiring, the stove, and any potential for faulty electrical devices,” said the investigator, who asked to remain anonymous.

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department has requested that anyone who was in the house at the time of the fire—or who might have seen suspicious activity—contact the department. The article includes a phone number (920‑555‑1234) and a link to the police website for more information on how to report.

Community Reaction

The article quotes a local pastor, Rev. Susan Martin, who said, “We are all shocked. Sturgeon Bay is a close‑knit community; it feels like an accident has shaken our town.” In the wake of the tragedy, a candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday evening at the Sturgeon Bay Community Center. Residents and family members gathered to honor the deceased and to provide comfort to the grieving community.

Family members of the victim spoke through a release written by the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department, stating, “We are heartbroken. We hope the cause of the fire is found quickly, and we trust the fire department’s diligence in bringing the truth to light.”

The article also highlights how many residents in Door County are unprepared for such emergencies. A short segment on fire safety tips—installing smoke alarms, testing them monthly, creating a two‑exit evacuation plan, and having a fire extinguisher—was embedded in the online version of the story.

Wider Context

The article situates this tragedy within a broader pattern of domestic fires across the United States. In 2023, the U.S. Fire Administration reported that more than 20,000 people died in residential fires nationwide. Wisconsin, though often perceived as safe, had recorded 15 fatalities in home fires that year. The article stresses that these statistics underline the importance of preventative measures, such as maintaining working smoke detectors, avoiding electrical overloads, and ensuring that new appliances are installed correctly.

The piece also referenced a 2022 Door County fire safety report that found many homes did not meet the modern electrical code requirements. The report had recommended that the county invest in a public education campaign and provide financial incentives for homeowners to upgrade their electrical systems.

Official Statements and Resources

The article included official statements from:

• Sturgeon Bay Fire Department: “Our thoughts go out to the family of Matthew L. We are investigating the cause of the fire and will continue to work with the police and other agencies to determine what went wrong.”
• Sturgeon Bay Police Department: “We appreciate any information that can help us understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event.”
• Wisconsin Department of Public Safety: “We urge all residents to check that their smoke alarms are functioning, keep fire extinguishers in key areas, and be vigilant about electrical safety.”

In addition to the statements, the article provided links to the following resources:

1. Sturgeon Bay Fire Department’s safety page – offering fire‑rescue tips and evacuation plans.
2. Wisconsin State Fire Prevention Agency’s guide – outlining the steps homeowners should take to minimize fire risks.
3. A list of local charities and volunteer groups – assisting families affected by fire-related tragedies.

The story ends with a reminder that while the cause of the Sturgeon Bay fire remains under investigation, the community’s focus is on supporting the family, learning from the incident, and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Takeaway

The Sturgeon Bay house fire tragedy underscores how quickly a domestic fire can turn fatal and how crucial timely emergency response is in mitigating loss of life. While the investigation continues, the incident has rallied the community around fire safety awareness, prompting a renewed emphasis on preventive measures. The article concludes with a call to action: “Check your smoke alarms, review your electrical systems, and stay informed—every little precaution can mean the difference between life and death.”

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