TOWN OF SHULLSBURG — Two people are dead following an overnight fatal house fire in central Lafayette County.

According to Lafayette County Sheriff Reg Gill, at 1:36 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at 17166 Dunbarton Road, Town of Shullsburg in Lafayette County.

Shullsburg Fire Department was immediately paged followed very shortly by Gratiot Fire and Darlington Fire by request of mutual aid by the Shullsburg Fire Department.

First responding Lafayette County Deputy on scene reported a partially engulfed residence and was unable to make entry to the residence due to fire and smoke.

"Responding fire units battled a fully engulfed residence upon arrival," Gill said. "Once the fire was contained to a safe enough level for firemen to enter the residence, two occupants of the residence, believed to be the only occupants at the time of the fire, were located and were deceased."

Lafayette County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The names of the two occupants will not be released at this time pending positive identification.  

The Shullsburg Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Gratiot Fire, Benton Fire, Darlington Fire and Apple River, Ill. Fire. Shullsburg EMS was also on scene.