THE CITY REBORN FROM THE ASHES OF AMERICA'S MOST DISASTROUS FOREST FIRE
Fire Scene - Firefighters from five area departments responded to a duplex fire in the City of Peshtigo on Thursday evening March 24. City of Peshtigo Fire Department received the alarm at 5.27 p.m. The duplex owned by Carol and David Junak received extensive damage from the fire. No injuries were reported. Photo - firefighters ladder the roof to gain access to second story. Red Cross is assisting the occupants of the duplex.
Fire Displaces Five People In City of Peshtigo Duplex
Issue Date: April 3, 2022
Five people were displaced after a fire destroyed their duplex in the City of Peshtigo. The fire happed at 283 South Emery on Thursday, March 24. Marinette County Dispatch Center notified the City of Peshtigo Fire Department at 5:27 p.m. and the fire department was on scene within five minutes. Upon arrival they found light smoke coming from the residence according to Fire Chief Charles Gardon. A MABAS working still was called which brought an engine company from the Town of Peshtigo Fire Department for assistance. Firefighters made entry to the duplex and found fire in both units of the duplex. Chief Gardon then called for a MABAS box alarm which brought more assistance from the City of Marinette , Grover-Porterfield and Coleman Fire Departments.
Firefighters did an interior attack and used numerous air bottles in battling the fire which did extend to the second story of the duplex. Keitra Becker and her two children Morgan and Hannah were home at the time of the fire in the rental side of the duplex and Carol Junak was in her residence when the fire broke out. David and Carol Junak live in and own the duplex. According to the fire report Becker had a breaker pop in the electrical panel and went to check it out and in the process unplugged a space heater/fireplace from a wall socket and noticed fire behind the socket. She immediately called to Carol Junak that there was a fire and everyone along with their pets safely exited the duplex, Junak then called 911.
Fire, smoke and water damage was extensive to the duplex. An insurance adjuster and investigator were on scene Sunday and Monday and estimated the damage at over $250,000, according to Chief Gardon. Red Cross was called and they assisted the family.
Justin Kern, Communications Director of the American Red Cross, stated that volunteers from Red Cross are helping the family displaced by the fire and Red Cross teams are providing comfort and assistance for their emergency needs such as temporary lodging and meals. Alongside community partners Red Cross will continue to work with the family in the days ahead on the needs in the next steps in their recovery. Kern went on to say that since 2022, Red Cross in Wisconsin has helped 1,051 people displaced by 218 home fires.
Keitra Becker and her children will be staying with a family member until other housing can be found. They are in need of furniture for the time being. The Junak's were also staying with a family member and their insurance company has arranged housing at a hotel. Firefighters remained on scene for over four hours and no injuries were reported according to Gardon. Other agencies responding to the fire included Emergency Rescue Squad, Aurora Bay Area Paramedics and Wisconsin Public Service.