Local News
Arson determined to be cause of Fond du Lac house fire that hurt 16-year-old girl
On Monday, September 23, 2024 at approximately 11:06 p.m., the City of Fond du Lac Police Department and City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue responded to the 200 block of Packer Street for a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, FDLPD Officers observed the eastside of the house engulfed in fire with heavy smoke coming from the residence.
In a courageous effort while the house was fully engulfed, FDLPD Officers located a 16-year-old female who was attempting to escape the fire from the second story of the residence. She managed to climb out of a window but fell to the ground in the process.
Upon arrival FDLFR fire companies encountered heavy fire conditions. FDLFR was able to perform a quick knockdown and contain the blaze preventing further spread to neighboring properties. FDLFR was also able to provide critical medical care to the female who fell. The fire was extinguished but not before it caused extensive damage to the residence.
FDLPD and FDLFR investigators were assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation revealed that an improvised incendiary device was used to target the residence resulting in significant property damage and injuries.
A FDLPD Detective identified a person of interest and with the assistance of WI-DCI a 60-year-old male was taken into custody in Menasha on September 25, 2024. The fire was determined to be caused by an act of arson.
The 60-year-old-suspect is facing multiple charges and is being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail. The 16-year-old victim was transported to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee for injuries sustained from the fire and fall and she remains at Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
No further information is being released at this time.
The City of Fond du Lac Police Department and Fond du Lac Fire Rescue were assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Department of Criminal Investigations.