Authorities in Dodge County, Wisconsin, are investigating a devastating weekend fire that claimed the life of a 48-year-old resident and injured a firefighter. The blaze broke out late Saturday night at an apartment complex along County Road Y in Lomira, prompting a large emergency response from multiple fire departments across the region.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the Knowles Fire Department was dispatched to the scene around 11:10 p.m., with several neighboring units quickly joining the effort. When crews arrived, the building was already engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began search and rescue operations, successfully evacuating three residents from the structure. Despite their swift response, one individual was later pronounced dead as a result of the fire.
Officials identified the victim as Brandi Koelsch, 48, of Lomira. She was transported to St. Agnesian Hospital in Fond du Lac, where she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities extended condolences to her family and loved ones, describing the loss as a tragedy that has deeply affected the tight-knit community. The two other residents of the building escaped unharmed, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
During the operation, one firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries while battling the flames. Officials confirmed the firefighter is expected to make a full recovery. More than a dozen fire departments participated in the response, working for several hours to contain and extinguish the blaze. Their coordinated efforts prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and businesses, though the apartment building itself sustained significant damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Wisconsin Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Wisconsin Department of Justice have joined local authorities to determine what sparked the incident. Investigators are currently examining the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. No foul play has been confirmed, but officials said they are keeping all possibilities open until the investigation concludes.
In the aftermath, the Lomira community has rallied together, offering support and assistance to those displaced by the tragedy. Local organizations and residents have expressed sorrow over the loss of life and gratitude toward first responders for their heroic efforts. Authorities have urged the public to remain patient as the investigation continues and to keep the victim’s family and the injured firefighter in their thoughts.
