Hot ash from fire pit causes garage fire

The Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue Department responded to a garage fire Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, on the city’s west side.

At about 10:20 am The Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a call from a passerby that reported smoke coming out of the garage at 172 N. Seymour Street.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a detached garage with smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire before it could spread to any nearby buildings, however the garage itself, and its contents, sustained fire and smoke damage.

There were no reported injuries or displaced residents as a result of the fire which was found to be caused by improperly discarded ashes from a fire pit that was used the night before.

The fire department said this incident was a good reminder to properly dispose of ashes and embers in a proper fire safe container, saying ashes and embers from a fire pit can remain hot for several days after a fire.