Watertown home fire kills animals

Watertown Fire Rescue went to an early morning fire on Thursday in Watertown.

At around 5:20 a.m. on Aug. 29 WFR headed to 15 10th St. SW for a house on fire. On arrival, crews found a single wide mobile home with smoke and fire puffing out of it.

Battalion 1, Engine 4, Engine 3 and Medic 4 were dispatched. After a quick interview with nearby residents it was determined that the house was unoccupied by any people, but there were several animals in the home. Crews entered the structure and conducted a primary search of the home. Several animals, including dogs and cats were found deceased in the home.

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes of crews entering the home. Highway 20 was shut down for approximately two hours as firefighters had to access a hydrant on the opposite side of the road and also needed to park apparatus on Highway 20.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time. WFR was assisted on the scene by the Watertown Police Department and Municipal Utilities.