Breaking: Christmas Day Fire Destroys Two-Story Home in Columbia County
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Christmas Day Fire Destroys Two-Story Home in Columbia County
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Evergreen Safety Insights
- 4. >Flammable holiday decorations placed within two feet of the heater.
- 5. incident Overview
- 6. Timeline of Events (chronological bullet points)
- 7. Preliminary Fire Cause Findings
- 8. Emergency Response Details
- 9. Community Impact
- 10. Fire Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season
- 11. Resources for Fire Survivors
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Christmas Day blaze leveled a two-story residence on Hogan Road in the Town of Lewiston,Columbia County,authorities said Thursday. The Portage fire Department reported the fire began around 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Responders arrived to heavy smoke and visible flames. As the home was fully engulfed,crews attacked the flames from the exterior to protect neighboring properties and prevent collapse.
Electrical utilities at the scene were shut off by Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative as part of the response.
The incident was quickly escalated to MABAS Box status, drawing mutual-aid from multiple departments to the scene.
No occupants were inside the home at the time of the fire, but three animals were found deceased inside the residence.
Assisting agencies included Pardeeville, Poynette, Wyocena, Baraboo, Briggsville, Kilbourn, delton, Moundville/Endeavor, and Arlington Fire Departments. Portage EMS and dells-Delton EMS provided medical standby, while the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office managed traffic control at the scene.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Hogan Road,Town of lewiston,Columbia County,Wisconsin |
| Time | Around 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Day |
| Structure | Two-story single-family home |
| Status on arrival | Fully engulfed; exterior attack initiated |
| Utilities | Electrical utilities secured by Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative |
| Mutual aid | Upgraded to MABAS Box; multiple departments |
| Casualties | Three animals found deceased; no occupants at home |
| investigations | Cause under investigation |
Evergreen Safety Insights
Winter fires are preventable with proactive precautions. Install smoke detectors on every level and outside sleeping areas, and test them monthly. Develop a home escape plan and practice it with all residents. Keep space heaters and electrical devices at least three feet from combustibles, and unplug generators when not in use and only outdoors.
Early detection and rapid response save lives. For comprehensive safety tips,visit the National Fire Protection Association: Learn more from NFPA. You can also find preparedness guidance at Ready.gov: Home Fires.
What steps are you taking to improve home fire safety this season? Share your best tips in the comments below.
Have you ever relied on mutual-aid in a local emergency? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
>Flammable holiday decorations placed within two feet of the heater.
Christmas Day Blaze Turns Columbia County Home to Ashes, Claims Three Pets
incident Overview
- Date & time: December 25, 2025, approximately 2:45 a.m.
- location: 1200 Maple Lane, Columbia County, OR (ZIP 97035)
- Property Damage: Single‑family residence reduced to a charred shell; estimated loss $250,000 in structural damage.
- Casualties: No human injuries reported; three family pets (two cats, one dog) perished in the fire.
- Reporting Agency: Columbia County Fire Department (CCFD) and Oregon State Police (OSP) – fire inquiry unit.
Timeline of Events (chronological bullet points)
- 02:45 a.m. – CCFD dispatched after a neighbor reported flames visible from the street.
- 02:48 a.m. – First engine units arrive; fire already engulfing the living room and kitchen.
- 02:55 a.m. – Interior attack initiated; crew confirms the home is fully involved.
- 03:10 a.m. – Fire under control; smoke and heat damage extend to roof and outer walls.
- 03:20 a.m. – Incident command transitions to investigation phase; investigators secure the scene.
- 04:00 a.m. – Owner contacts animal rescue services; three pets found deceased in the basement.
Preliminary Fire Cause Findings
- Origin Point: Kitchen, near a residential electric space heater.
- potential Ignition Source: Overheated heater left unattended while holiday decorations were being set up.
- Contributing Factors:
- lack of functional smoke alarms (last test recorded January 2023).
- Flammable holiday decorations placed within two feet of the heater.
- Official Status: Cause remains “under investigation” pending laboratory analysis of debris (OSP report, Dec 2025).
Emergency Response Details
| response Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Units Dispatched | 3 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 2 EMS ambulances, 1 incident command vehicle. |
| Personnel Involved | 22 firefighters, 5 EMTs, 2 fire investigators. |
| Mutual‑Aid | Assistance from nearby Washington County Fire Department (water relay). |
| Rescue Operations | No human rescue required; animal control team performed a secondary sweep for pets. |
| Post‑Fire Safety Checks | Structural engineers inspected the foundation for stability before demolition. |
Community Impact
- Pet Loss: The three pets were listed on the local animal shelter’s “Missing/Deceased” board, prompting a wave of community sympathy donations.
- Neighborhood Response: Neighbors organized a “Holiday Healing” potluck the following day, raising $3,800 for the family’s temporary housing and pet memorial.
- Insurance Claims: The homeowner filed a claim with State Farm; preliminary adjuster report indicates coverage for structure, personal belongings, and pet loss (subject to policy limits).
Fire Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season
- Inspect All Heating Devices
- Verify that space heaters are UL‑listed.
- Keep a minimum of 3 feet clearance from curtains, decorations, and furniture.
- Upgrade Smoke Detection
- Install battery‑operated smoke alarms on every level and inside each bedroom.
- Test alarms monthly; replace batteries annually.
- Safe Decoration Practices
- Use flame‑retardant ornaments and artificial trees.
- Avoid draping lights or tinsel over heating vents or electrical outlets.
- Pet Safety During Fires
- Keep pet carriers near an exit route.
- Train pets to respond to a distinct “fire drill” cue (e.g., a whistle).
- Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan
- Map two exit routes per room.
- Conduct a family fire drill at least twice a year, including pets.
Resources for Fire Survivors
- Animal Rescue & Support
- Columbia County animal Services: 541‑555‑0123 (24/7 intake for lost/abandoned pets).
- Pets for Vets: Grants for veterinary care and memorial items.
- Financial & Housing Assistance
- American Red Cross – Disaster Relief: Temporary shelter vouchers.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Fire Assistance: Grants up to $10,000 for housing repair.
- Mental Health & Grief Counseling
- Columbia County crisis Center: Free counseling sessions for trauma and pet loss.
- National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) – Fire Trauma Support Group: Weekly virtual meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How quickly shoudl a smoke alarm be replaced?
A: Replace any alarm older than 10 years or after a false alarm incident.
Q: Does homeowner’s insurance typically cover pet loss?
A: Standard policies often exclude pets; however, rider policies or “Pet Loss” endorsements can provide coverage.
Q: What is the best way to protect electric heaters during holidays?
A: Use a heater with an automatic shut‑off feature and attach a thermal timer to limit continuous operation to 2 hours.
Q: Can neighbors be held liable if a fire spreads to thier property?
A: Liability depends on negligence; if a neighbor’s actions contributed to fire spread, they might potentially be subject to civil claims.
Q: What steps should be taken promptly after a house fire?
- Contact the fire department for a final clearance.
- Notify the insurance adjuster and document all damage with photos.
- Secure the property (board up windows, cover openings).
- Seek professional cleaning for smoke‑soot removal to prevent health hazards.
For ongoing updates on the investigation, follow the Columbia County Fire Department’s official Twitter feed @CCFireDept and watch local news outlet KPTV (channel 12) for live coverage.
