APPLETON — Two families are safe, but one home was destroyed and another damaged in two separate fires over the weekend in Appleton.
In the first fire Saturday, Appleton firefighters were called about noon for a report of smoke coming a roof in the 1000 block of E. Florida Ave.
Crews were told that everyone was out of the home, including two adults and their pet.
Shortly after getting inside the home, the fire was seen coming through the roof. Due to the instablility of the building, crews backed out and defensive operations began.
There were no injuries reported. Fire crews remained on scene for about three hours.
The fire is currently under investigation and firefighters are still working on a cause at the time of this release. Damage to the building and contents was extensive and considered a total loss.
The initial damage estimate is over $250,000.
The Appleton Fire Department was assisted by the Appleton Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, Grand Chute Fire Department, Outagamie County CERT, and the American Red Cross.
The occupants were also helped by several neighbors, officials say.
In the second fire, just before 1 a.m. Sunday, the Appleton Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 1800 block of E. Forest St.
The Outagamie County Communications Center reported that everyone was out of the home, according to a news release.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the two adults, one child and one pet who have been affected as a result of the fire.
Appleton Police Officers reported smoke and flames were visible. Fire crews initiated fire attack from the exterior of the home as flames were visible at the side of the structure upon arrival.
Crews conducted a search of the home to confirm there were no occupants. Crews brought the fire under control within fifteen minutes.
Damage to the building and contents is estimated at $40,000.
There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The Appleton Fire Department was assisted by the Appleton Police Department and Gold Cross Ambulance.
The cause of the fire appears to be disposal of smoking materials.
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