Fire on Durand Avenue Results in Total Loss of Home

**Updated 3:15 p.m.

While the cause of the fire remains unclear, investigators with South Shore Fire Department say the blaze was an accident.

According to Battalion Chief Dale S. Izydorek, SSFD responded at 9:42 a.m. Friday to an active structure fire at a home in the 6800 block of Durand Avenue.

When they arrived, flames and heavy smoke were visible. It took 35 minutes to get the fire under control during which fire fighters were able to confirm the house was empty at the time of the fire.

"The home belongs to a single woman and she was not there," Izydorek confirmed. "She did arrive while South Shore and the police were still there."

Departments from Caledonia, Racine, Somers, Kansasville and Oak Creek responded to the MABAS call. Some assisted on scene while others were used to staff stations for any additional calls for service. Racine Fire Bells are also there to help fire fighters deal with the cold and wind.

A We Energies crew was on scene to handle the utilities.

By 11:30 a.m. the fire was completely extinguished, and Izydorek said the damage is a total loss.

"We don't have any estimates, but the house was gutted," he added.

An exact cause has not yet been established, but SSFD believes the blaze started in an addition at the northeast corner of the house. Mount Pleasant Police told Patch during the fire that it was not set intentionally.

"This is an accidental fire," MPPD Sgt. Shawn Lueke said. "There is no reason to be suspicious."

While firefighters battled the blaze, safety personnel also dealt with a car accident that occurred right in front of the burning house. A woman driving westbound was hit by a vehicle driving eastbound when the woman attempted a u-turn. No injuries were reported.

Police officers blocked off Durand Avenue in both directions between Oakes Road and Highway 31. Eastbound lanes reopened at about 10:45 and travel in both directions was re-opened shortly after noon.