The Western Lakes Fire District and the Village of Lac LaBelle Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at a single-family home on Thursday evening, December 18.

A neighbor reported heavy smoke coming from the home around 5 p.m. Units from Western Lakes Station 53 arrived at the scene around seven minutes later and started fire suppression efforts.

A Level 1 upgrade was requested due to the severity of the fire and environmental conditions. Crews faced high winds, and significanr wind chills which contributed to the spread of the blaze. This gas-fed fire required spceialized management.

Lake Country Fire Rescue, along with fire departments from Hartland, Merton, Ashippun, City of Waukesha and Sullivan assisted.

During a search of the home, one individual was found deceased. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

The incident remains under a joint investigation  by the Village of Lac LaBelle Police Department, Western Lakes Fire Investigation Team and Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office, according to a press release by Battalion Chief Carriveau.