Dec. 6, 2022 - UPDATE: FATAL DUPLEX FIRE
Victim Identified
–The Grand Chute Fire Department, Grand Chute Police Department, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation State Fire Marshal's Office continue to investigate the cause of the fire reported on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at in the 600 block of South Olson Avenue. The cause of the fire not been finalized but has been confirmed to be accidental; no evidence of suspicious activity has been found.
The victim has been identified as 55-year old Torrence (Torre) R. Morgan, who lived in the home. The family’s German Shepherd was found and removed by firefighting crew members, and life-saving efforts were attempted at the scene for the dog, but the dog did not survive.
The fire started in the kitchen and was discovered by Mr. Morgan’s wife when she returned home from work. The specific cause of the fire in the kitchen has not been determined. Damage to the home was extensive in the kitchen and living room, and the home is likely to be deemed a complete loss. The status of the second half of the duplex is unknown. The home did have smoke alarms installed, but it is not known whether any of them were working at the time of the fire and alerted the resident.
Grand Chute Interim Fire Chief, Len Vander Wyst, said "On behalf of the Town of Grand Chute and all the firefighters on scene from our department and our partners, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of the victim. This tragic fire reminds us that fire safety is important for all ages. Having working smoke alarms in all parts of the home and creating a home escape plan can greatly increase your chances of surviving a fire."
CONTACT: Assistant Chief Kelly Hanink (715) 350-9593 |
