Appleton Resident Rescued from House Fire, 2 Cats Saved

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters in Appleton, Wisconsin responded to a house fire on North Division Street, where they found one resident still inside the home on the second floor trying to locate a pet. Crews assisted the person in exiting the home and also rescued two cats. The resident suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation, and the fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the house and its contents.

Why it matters

House fires pose a serious threat to public safety, and this incident highlights the importance of working smoke detectors and the quick response of local fire departments in saving lives and minimizing property damage.

The details

Firefighters were dispatched to the residential fire around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Upon arrival, they found smoke at the front and rear doors and immediately initiated an interior fire attack and search of the home. They located the resident on the second floor trying to find a pet and assisted them in exiting the home, also rescuing two cats.

• The fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
• Firefighters brought the fire under control within 15 minutes.

What’s next

The fire department is still investigating the cause of the blaze.