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Fire consumes Pewaukee house

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 19:08 GMT by WISN 12 NEWS
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Pewaukee Home Devastated by Fire – Community Rallying Around the Affected Family

On the evening of March 28, 2024, a massive fire erupted at a single‑family residence on West Lake Avenue in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The blaze, which was first reported at 11:13 p.m. by a resident calling 911, consumed the entire house within a matter of minutes. Firefighters from the Pewaukee Fire Department were on the scene within 45 seconds, battling a rapidly spreading inferno that had already reached the roof and the second story by the time they arrived.

The Fire’s Rapid Onset

According to the incident report released by the Pewaukee Police Department, the fire likely started in the kitchen area, where an electrical fault was identified during the post‑incident inspection. The homeowner, 38‑year‑old Lisa Mitchell, was in the process of preparing dinner for her family when she heard the first crackle of smoke. “I saw the fire coming out of the stove,” Mitchell recounted. “It was almost too fast to get out.” By the time she could make it to the front door, the flames had engulfed the entire structure.

Firefighters reported that the house, built in 1987, was made of a combination of timber framing and stucco siding, materials that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The building’s two‑story layout, with a large open living space on the first floor and a small loft on the second, provided ample fuel for the flames. A total of five units of water and multiple firefighting tools were employed to control the fire, but the structure was too advanced in its stage of combustion to be saved.

Immediate Response and Human Impact

Fire Chief Mark Larson, who has served with the Pewaukee Fire Department since 2012, praised the crew’s quick response. “We were on the scene in less than a minute, and every second counts,” he said. “Unfortunately, the house had already burned so far that we couldn’t save the structure, but we did our best to contain it and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes.”

The incident left the Mitchell family homeless and without any of their personal belongings. In addition to Lisa Mitchell, the house’s occupants included her husband, 40‑year‑old Daniel Mitchell, and their two children, 9‑year‑old Ethan and 7‑year‑old Maya. While the family was not physically injured, the emotional toll has been significant. “We were all shocked,” Daniel admitted. “It was the first time I ever felt so helpless.”

The Pewaukee Fire Department coordinated with the local Red Cross to provide temporary housing and essential supplies for the family. The Red Cross has opened a disaster assistance office at the Pewaukee Community Center, offering temporary shelter, clothing, and counseling services. Community members have also rallied to donate clothing, bedding, and food to help the family recover.

Investigation and Possible Causes

The Pewaukee Police Department is conducting an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. Chief Sandra Rivera stated that “there are several factors we are considering, including an electrical fault, faulty wiring, or an accidental cooking mishap.” Preliminary evidence points to a short circuit in the kitchen’s electrical panel. Rivera noted that a subsequent review of the Mitchell’s prior home insurance claim revealed a similar electrical issue in 2018 that was repaired at that time.

While no evidence of arson has been found, officials remain cautious. “We must leave no stone unturned,” Rivera added. “If anything suggests foul play, we will investigate further.”

Community and State Resources

In light of the tragedy, the Pewaukee Fire Department has issued a reminder to all residents about fire safety. A recent pamphlet, available on the department’s website (https://www.pewaukee.org/fire-department), outlines key fire prevention strategies: regularly inspecting electrical systems, keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, installing smoke detectors on every floor, and developing a family fire escape plan.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which provides statewide resources for fire safety, has a dedicated webpage (https://www.wdhp.wisconsin.gov/fire-safety) that offers educational materials and free home safety inspections for low‑income households.

Looking Forward

The Pewaukee community has come together to support the Mitchell family. A fundraiser hosted by the Pewaukee Historical Society will raise funds for rebuilding efforts. A local church has pledged to provide a temporary home for the family for the next six months. Moreover, the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce is offering a discount on home insurance premiums for all residents in the neighborhood, in an effort to encourage the installation of updated electrical systems and fire suppression equipment.

As the family begins the arduous process of rebuilding their lives, the community stands united, offering compassion, resources, and hope. The tragic fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, the critical role of emergency responders, and the power of communal solidarity in times of crisis.