MONROE — A house was left in shambles and a Monroe man in custody following a suspected kitchen fire called in at 7:43 p.m. Jan. 13 in Monroe.

Homeowner Thomas C. Krieger, 47, was taken into custody at the request of the Madison Police Department on probable cause for domestic disorderly conduct, felony bail jumping, intimidation of a victim or witness and unlawful use of a phone, a news release from the Monroe Police Department said.

Deputy Fire Chief Al Rufer said that the fire appeared to related to cooking oil being used in a frying pan.

When first responders arrived, the homeowner was on the roof of the property’s unattached garage and the fire was significant on the first floor of the structure. It later extended to the second floor and attic. 

A dog that was trapped in the fire is reported to have died. No other injuries were reported.

The house, which was for sale at the time of the fire, is estimated to be a 75% loss.

Nine agencies assisted in the fire, including Green County EMS, New Glarus Fire, Monticello Fire, Juda Fire, Orangeville Fire, Orfordville Fire, Brodhead Fire and Freeport Rural Fire.  

“We feel very fortunate to have such positive relationships with our mutual aid departments,” Rufer said.

Firefighters battled the flames until approximately 11:40 p.m., using what Rufer called a “transitional attack.” They initially attacked the flames from outside of the residence before moving to the interior.

Rufer advises homeowners to take caution when cooking with oil. He suggests having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and monitoring oil temperatures to minimize the risk of fire.