February 21, 2025 – Fond du Lac Co., Wi – On Friday, February 21, 2025 at approximately 2:58 a.m., the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident at W13502 CTH KK, located in the Township of Metomen. The resident advised the house was on fire and there were other occupants asleep inside. A few minutes later it was reported the occupants were jumping from the second story to escape the flames.
A deputy with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and observed an explosion come from the home.
Due to the size and severity of the fire, several area Fire Departments responded including Brandon/ Fairwater Fire Department, Markesan Fire Department, RIT3, Ripon Fire Department& Ambulance, Alto Fire Department, City of Fond du Lac Fire Department, Van Dyne Fire Department, Rosendale Fire Department, Lamartine Fire Department, Waupun Fire Department, Town of Fond du Lac Fire Department, and Life Star EMS. Ripon Police Department and State Patrol assisted at the scene as well.
The property owner Jeffrey Kraemer, was not present at the time of the fire. The home was approximately 2500 square feet and a total loss. Approximately five dogs and six cats were not able to exit and perished as a result.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office. A resident suffered serious injuries while jumping from the second story. That person was transported via ambulance to the nearest hospital, then flighted for more advanced care. Two other residents suffered injuries from smoke inhalation. One was transported via ambulance and the other was transported via a private vehicle to the hospital.
