Sparta fire kills 26 dogs — 12 of them puppies — two cats

A Sunday fire in Sparta didn’t hurt any people, but 14 dogs, 12 puppies and two cats were killed.

Sparta Fire Chief Mike Arnold said the animals died from smoke inhalation. They found several dog kennels on the first floor of the home at 4401 County Highway T.

Several other dogs were in outside kennels and unharmed.

Crews, on the scene for four hours, were dispatched there about 3:30 p.m. and had to force their way into the house. The fire started in the kitchen, though the cause is still under investigation, according to the report. The first floor sustained fire and smoke damage, while the second floor just had smoke damage.

Assisting Sparta was the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparta Ambulance Service, Cataract 1st Responders, Monroe County 911 Center, Monroe County Humane Officer, Wisconsin State Patrol and Xcel Energy.