SHAWANO, WI – A fatal residential fire in the city of Shawano is under joint investigation by the Shawano Police Department and the Shawano Area Fire Department.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 6:53 p.m. Wednesday to the 200 block of East Center Street following reports of a structure fire. When first responders arrived, they found smoke coming from the residence and began working to extinguish the flames while conducting a search of the home.
During those search efforts, firefighters located one person inside the residence. According to Shawano Police Chief Mike Musolff, the individual, a male, was transported to ThedaCare – Shawano, where he later died from injuries sustained in the fire. Authorities say the victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.
Musolff says the investigation remains ongoing and noted that fatal fires are always treated with a high level of scrutiny. “Anytime there’s a fatal fire, we treat the investigation as if it was suspicious, no matter what,” Musolff said. “In most cases they turn out to be accidental, but we handle it that way so we don’t miss any potential evidence early on.”
At this time, officials say there is no specific indication that the fire is suspicious, but emphasized that the process is standard protocol. Musolff added that determining the exact cause of death will require results from an autopsy, and more information will be released once it becomes available.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Shawano Police Department, Shawano Area Fire Department, and the Shawano County Coroner’s Office. Authorities say the case remains active, and no additional details are being released at this time.
Officials also thanked assisting agencies for their response, including the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office, along with local ambulance and medical personnel.
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