Wausau Fire Department. MWC photo by Mike Leischner.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — One person has died from injuries suffered in a house fire in Wausau.
Crews called to a home on Fleming Street early Saturday morning, where a 68-year-old woman said her couch was on fire and she couldn’t get out of the home. A Wausau Police Officer was nearby, and was able to get inside the smoke-filled home to resuce her.
The woman, identfied as Julia Thompson, was taken to a Wausau hospital and later flown to Madison for advanced burn care. She died from her injuries on Monday.
Fire crews were able to contain the blaze to the living room of the home. Investigators have determined that the fire was caused by the unsafe handling of smoking materials. “This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety practices, particularly when smoking inside a residence,” officials said.
“We are grateful for the swift and courageous actions of the responding officer and for the professionalism of the Wausau Fire Department, whose coordinated efforts ensured the resident was removed from the home and the fire was quickly contained. Their dedication reflects the commitment of all Wausau first responders to protect our community in moments of crisis,” they added.
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