KAUKAUNA — One resident is without a place to stay after a fire Thursday morning in a 24-unit apartment building in Kaukauna.
According to a news release, the Kaukauna Fire Department responded at 10:49 a.m. Thursday to a report of a fire at a 24-unit apartment building at 420 Bicentennial Court in Kaukauna.
Initial reports indicated that there was “black smoke” coming from a second-story window.
When they arrived, Kaukauna Fire Department crews conducted a full scene assessment and determined that the fire was located in a second-story apartment, with the potential for unknown fire extension.
Fire crews made their way to the second floor and quickly knocked down the fire.
The fire was fully extinguished within 15 minutes of the crews’ arrival.
Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period to ventilate the building and remove smoke and gases.
No civilians or firefighters were injured in the fire; however, one resident was displaced.
Damage to the building and its contents is estimated at approximately $60,000.
Damage was confined to a single apartment, which sustained significant smoke, heat and fire damage.
The Kaukauna Fire Department was assisted by the Combined Locks Fire Department, Little Chute Fire Department, Vandenbroek Fire Department, Kimberly Fire Department, Kaukauna Police Department, Kaukauna Utilities, and WE Energies.
The fire was determined to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery. The apartment was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and all other occupants of the building evacuated safely.
The Kaukauna Fire Department reminds residents to exercise caution when using and charging lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in many household devices, including electronic devices, power tools, e-bikes, and other rechargeable equipment. Residents should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and use and should never use batteries or chargers that are damaged or show signs of overheating.
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