The Fort Atkinson Fire Department was among responders to a fire that is alleged to have started in a car, which then involved a car port, according to information released by the department Monday on its Facebook page.
The Fort Atkinson Fire Department was assisted by fire departments from Jefferson, Lake Mills, Lakeside, Whitewater, Cambridge and Cambridge EMS.
Firefighters responded to the fire in the Town of Oakland at 2:43 p.m., information released by the Fort Atkinson department stated.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a car on fire in a car port adjacent to a trailer home. The car fire was described as “fully involved,” and it had “spread to the residence.”
According to the release, all of the residents in the structure had evacuated in advance of the arrival of the responding fire crews.
“Despite an aggressive interior attack, the fire rapidly engulfed the entire home due to its open layout and the presence of open windows and door,” the release noted.
Firefighters located a cat in the rear bedroom of the structure and removed it from the home “without apparent injuries,” the release reported, further noting that another cat and a dog escaped the fire also without injuries.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing by the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, the release reported, further noting that preliminary findings attribute the incident to a car fire that spread to the home. The incident is still under investigation but is considered not suspicious in nature.
According to the release, the home and vehicle are a complete loss.
“Due to safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the floor and roof, an excavator was brought in to assist with overhaul operations, as it was unsafe for crews to enter the premises,” the release stated.
The Red Cross has been contacted and is providing support to the family, including temporary relocation and assistance with their immediate needs.
There were no injuries to any citizens or firefighters, the release concluded.