August 15, 2025 – Fond du Lac Co., Wi – On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 9:32 p.m., the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call in regards to a smoke alarm activation and black smoke filling the residence at N7402 Lakeshore Drive in the Town of Friendship, Fond du Lac County.
Initial reports indicated black smoke was seen coming from the residence; as well as, flames were visible inside the house from the exterior. Van Dyne Fire Department and Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched.
Upon arrival, deputies observed black smoke coming out of the second story of the residence. It was quickly learned no other people were inside the residence.
The loan occupant had made it out, however it was believed a cat remained inside. The Van Dyne Fire department arrived and extinguished the fire before it was able to spread further through the house, or second story.
Initial investigation shows the fire started on the first floor of the residence near an end table. The residence sustained moderate damage to the interior first floor, with smoke and soot damage throughout the house.
No persons were harmed during this incident. The cat was located in the residence deceased.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office and Van Dyne Fire Department were assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center and Alliant Energy. The following Fire Departments assisted at the scene: North Fond du Lac Fire and EMS, Eldorado Fire, Town of Fond du Lac Fire, Lamartine Fire.