This story first appeared in our sister publication, Walworth County Community News.
LAKE GENEVA — A stroke of good fortune prevented any serious injuries Friday from a fire in Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva police officers used a ladder luckily found nearby to rescue a resident from the upper unit of a burning home where the only stairway down was blocked by flames.
According to a news release, the Lake Geneva Fire Department was called out about 10:30 a.m. Friday for a report of a structure fire with a person trapped inside at 1008 George St.
While firefighters were on the way, the City of Lake Geneva Police Department Communications Center upgraded the alarm to a structure fire response. The alarm upgrade brought additional units from the Town of Linn, Town of Delavan, Town of Lyons, and Elkhorn Fire Departments.
The first crew from the Lake Geneva Fire Department arrived on scene in less than two minutes and reported a working fire in a 2-unit dwelling.
Firefighters could see that the only exterior staircase serving the second floor was being consumed by fire.
Engine 281 and Med 281 began suppression and rescue efforts while simultaneously seeking alternative ways to access the victim in the upper unit.
Upon reaching the rear of the building, the victim was located being assisted down a ladder by Lake Geneva Police Department officers William Walser and Brock Bouland.
Officers had located a ladder nearby and extended it to the upper window.
Two additional occupants were located and had gotten out of the lower unit by themselves.
The fire was quickly extinguished, and the building required extensive overhaul due to its age and configuration.
The cause is under investigation. No criminal activity is suspected.
One occupant was assessed on scene with minor injuries however was not transported.
“We are thankful for the prompt actions of Officers Walser and Bouland. Their resourcefulness and willingness to act resulted in minimizing injuries to the trapped victim. Residents are reminded to ensure they have working smoke detectors, have two ways out of their home, and practice their escape plan frequently. A special thank you to our mutual aid partners for their prompt response and assistance,” Chief John Peters said.
