March 28, 2024
Apple Grove  D Fire 6
Despite the efforts of firemen, the home on Apple-Grove Dorcas Road was a total loss. Photo by Carrie Gloeckner

RACINE – Volunteer Fire Departments from Racine and Syracuse responded this morning to a residential fire on Apple-Grove Dorcas Road. The home was a total loss.

According to Racine V.F.D. Chief Jamie Jones, the resident of the home said the fire had started with a furnace malfunction. Chief Jones said the firemen had not been able to get into the remains of the structure (at publication time), but he said the furnace could have been the source of the fire. This is a prime example of why regular furnace maintenance is so crucial. This fire might have been avoided if the furnace was repaired. Perhaps more homeowners will consider contacting a Denver furnace repair company, for example, to make sure their furnace doesn’t cause a fire.

“The cause is undetermined at this time,” Chief Jones said. Little was left of the home and smoke was continuing to billow from it long after the actual flames had been extinguished. He added that the damage was extensive.

Chief Jones said there was one resident that was transported with burn injuries. He did not release the resident’s name. Several pets were lost in the fire.

The call came in about 8 a.m. The Racine V.F.D. responded with Engine 21, Engine 27, and Truck 24 with 10 firemen on the scene. Syracuse V.F.D. responded with Engine 34 and Squad 33 with three firemen. The firemen remained on the scene for several hours.

Chief Jones urged caution when dealing with alternative heating sources and take precautions, especially during the frigid temperatures the area has been enduring. He advised residents to check their fireplaces, particularly the chimneys for build up that could become a source for a house fire.