Woman Found Dead After Morning Fire in Friendship Home

Authorities investigating cause of blaze that killed 81-year-old resident

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A woman was found dead Wednesday morning after a fire tore through her home in the Town of Friendship, Fond du Lac County. Firefighters responded to the scene around 10:13 a.m. and discovered the 81-year-old victim inside a bedroom. Investigators believe the fire started in the basement, and they are still working to determine the cause.

Why it matters

Residential fires are a major public safety concern, especially for vulnerable elderly populations. This incident highlights the importance of fire prevention and emergency response protocols in small communities.

The details

When deputies arrived, they saw smoke coming from the attic of the one-story home. Firefighters went inside and found the 81-year-old woman dead in a bedroom. Crews from several local fire departments responded and were able to quickly bring the fire under control and extinguish it.

  • The fire was reported around 10:13 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the cause and circumstances of the fatal fire.

North Fond du Lac, Van Dyne, Eldorado, Lamartine, Town of Fond du Lac, Nekimi, and City of Fond du Lac Fire Departments

The multiple fire departments that responded to the scene and worked to extinguish the blaze.

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What’s next

Investigators from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office will continue to examine the scene and determine the exact cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for robust fire safety measures, especially in older homes, to protect vulnerable residents in small communities.