BARRON COUNTY -- Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald has released a press release (which you can read in its entirety below) regarding the fatal structure fire in Turtle Lake Monday night.
Press Release
On Monday, January 9, 2023, at 5:57 p.m., the Barron County 911 Center received a call of a structure fire at 1285 2nd Street, Turtle Lake. The report came in that a male subject may still be in the residence. Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department along with the Turtle Lake Fire Department, Cumberland Ambulance, Turtle Lake Police Department, and the WI State Patrol all responded to the scene.
The Turtle Lake Fire Department upon arrival started an immediate attack on the fire and search for the male subject. They were met with heavy smoke and heat which hindered the search. About one hour into the attack a male subject was found deceased in the residence as well as a family pet.
The male is 56 years old and owner of the residence. A female, the wife of the victim, had escaped the fire and was the caller of the fire. She was treated and released at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The fire remains under investigation by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, Turtle Lake Fire Department and Rusk County Sheriff’s Department Certified Fire Investigator.
No foul play is suspected.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the name is not being released pending family notification.
— Per Chris Fitzgerald, Barron County Sheriff
Last Update: Jan 10, 2023 4:51 pm CST
