Fire & Rescue
UPDATE: 78-year-old woman dies in Onalaska fire
One person is dead in a house fire in Onalaska on Wednesday afternoon.
Onalaska Fire Chief Pete Fletty said in a statement that at 3:30 p.m., they were called to 2428 Franklin Street.
As crews began to fight the fire, others went into the home to search for anyone inside. One person was brought out. Emergency medical staff said the person was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Friday morning, Chief Fletty said the victim was identified as Sheila Panke, 78.
It took crews less than 40 minutes to get the fire out.
Onalaska was aided by an engine company from the Holmen Fire Department.
The home had what Chief Fletty said was significant damage due to the fire, smoke and water.
No one else was injured.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the incident.
A cause of the fire is still under investigation.
