Fond du Lac, WI (June 15, 2026) – One person was taken to a hospital after a residential fire damaged an attached garage at a home on Old Pioneer Road early Sunday morning, June 14 in Fond du Lac.
Fond du Lac Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to 155 Old Pioneer Road at approximately 2:09 a.m. on Sunday, following reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, emergency units found smoke and flames coming from the garage attached to the residence.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 15 minutes and prevented it from spreading to other portions of the property. Officials said no nearby buildings were affected. Two people were inside the home when the fire was discovered and called 911.
One person from the adjoining unit was taken to St. Agnes Hospital as a precaution. No injuries to fire personnel were reported. Investigators determined the fire originated from campfire ashes from the previous evening that had been improperly discarded in a trash container.
Officials continue to review all circumstances surrounding the fire. We are thinking of the person evaluated after the fire and wish them well.
Why Improperly Disposed Ashes Can Lead to Residential Fires
Campfire and fireplace ashes can remain hot for many hours, even when they appear completely extinguished. Hidden embers may continue to generate heat long after a fire seems out, creating a risk when ashes are placed in containers that hold combustible materials.
Fire safety experts generally recommend storing ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and placing the container on a nonflammable surface away from buildings. Allowing ashes to cool for several days before disposal can further reduce the chance of ignition. Plastic bins, paper bags, and standard trash containers may catch fire if hot embers are still present.
Garage fires can spread quickly because many garages contain fuel, chemicals, tools, and other combustible items. Early detection and a prompt emergency call help limit property damage and keep flames from reaching living spaces within a residence.
