3 found dead after Watertown house fire

WATERTOWN, Wis. (WMTV) - Three people were found dead inside a Watertown home that was engulfed in flames overnight, the fire department reported.

According to Watertown Fire Department statement, firefighters arrived at the home, in the 100 block of Western Ave., shortly 12:30 a.m. and were informed that the people who lived there were still trapped inside.

Fire crews attempted to brave the intense heat, smoke, and flames to reach the trapped occupants but were driven back by the blaze. After firefighters extinguished the house, they located the victims’ bodies.

The fire department along with the police department, which confirmed their deaths, did not release the names or ages of the victims. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

Four friends of the victims told NBC15 that all three people who died were children. A person who lived near 1st and Western Avenue also confirmed this information to TMJ4 in Milwaukee.

Alex Beyer, a friend of a victim, said everyone is devastated by the losses.

“Always say I love you to your loved ones, no matter what. You never know when it’s the last time you’re going to say it to them or even hear it for the first time,” Beyer said.

Watertown School Board President Tony Arnett could not confirm if the children attended schools in Watertown, but said service staff would be available from 5:30-7 p.m. at Watertown High School’s library and again from 5-7 p.m. on Monday.

A charity raffle will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the winter market in Watertown, located at 210 S. Water Street. Half of the proceeds will go toward the family and the other half will go to Watertown Family Aid. There will be over 50 vendors at the event.

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