Kitchen eyed as source. Damage extensive. Image: Sparta Fire Department
Owners tried in vain to free cats, dogs
SPARTA, Wis. – Three cats and two digs trapped inside a burning house died in the fire. The owners had returned home about 5:20 p.m. and discovered the fire. They tried to get in to free the pets but were unsuccessful. No humans were injured. Fire Chief Mike Arnold said the rural house, at 21457 Kapok Road, was pretty much gone when his crews arrived. Firefighters spent the 5-1/2 hours extinguishing the fire. Arnold said that the fire started in the kitchen but that the cause remained under investigation, Damage was heavy from fire, smoke and water.