Fire started in kitchen of Onalaska house

2 dogs at home when fire started, given CPR

ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — A fire at an Onalaska house started in the kitchen and then spread to the attic at about Friday morning, according to the Onalaska Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived at the scene at about 9 a.m., they could see smoke coming out of the roof at 1008 Green Street.

The owner was not home at the time, but two dogs had to be rescued.

“We did pull them out. We did have to do CPR on them,” said Onalaska Fire Department Lt. Wayne Nagy. “We actually have been given training for that and have equipment for that. So a couple of our guys started that. Happened to be a veterinarian around and she went over and started helping the guys.”

The dogs’ condition is not known at this time.

Lt. Nagy said there is extensive fire damage to the kitchen and up into the attic and there is smoke damage throughout the house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The La Crosse and Campbell Fire Departments and Tri-State Ambulance were also called to the scene. A neighbor veterinarian also assisted the Onalaska Fire Department.