MONROE - A house fire Monday that started in the basement caused significant damage and has temporarily displaced a family.
About 35 firefighters responded just before 4 p.m. to a report of smoke in the rental house at 703 20th St., according to Daryl Rausch, Monroe fire chief.
The fire started in a faulty fuse panel in the basement, Rausch said.
Tenant Richard McLoud, 29, said he was in the home with his three children when he first smelled smoke and then heard the smoke alarms start up.
Smoke was billowing from the front door by the time firefighters arrived.
Damages are significant but repairable, Rausch said. The first step is finding a place to stay for the residents - two adults, three children and a dog.
"We're working with social services to get them a place to stay tonight ...and probably for several nights," Rausch said.
New Glarus' Rapid Intervention Team assisted Monroe firefighters at the scene, and the Juda Fire Department stayed at the downtown station for backup.
Monroe police assisted by rerouting traffic while the four engine crews put out the fire and cleared the air.
- Katjusa Cisar and
Anthony Wahl
About 35 firefighters responded just before 4 p.m. to a report of smoke in the rental house at 703 20th St., according to Daryl Rausch, Monroe fire chief.
The fire started in a faulty fuse panel in the basement, Rausch said.
Tenant Richard McLoud, 29, said he was in the home with his three children when he first smelled smoke and then heard the smoke alarms start up.
Smoke was billowing from the front door by the time firefighters arrived.
Damages are significant but repairable, Rausch said. The first step is finding a place to stay for the residents - two adults, three children and a dog.
"We're working with social services to get them a place to stay tonight ...and probably for several nights," Rausch said.
New Glarus' Rapid Intervention Team assisted Monroe firefighters at the scene, and the Juda Fire Department stayed at the downtown station for backup.
Monroe police assisted by rerouting traffic while the four engine crews put out the fire and cleared the air.
- Katjusa Cisar and
Anthony Wahl