Community raises money for Waukesha couple who lost animals in house fire

Published on: 10/14/2015

A destructive fire that caused significant damage to a Waukesha couple's home last week also resulted in the death of five pets, and friends and community members are now rallying to raise money for them through the website gofundme.com.

"These losses are ones that no amount of money can fix," wrote the couple's friend on the fundraising website. "However, they have quite a road ahead of them. Both work long hours at their jobs, and volunteer at and donate to a wonderful shelter.

"Every dollar counts. Let's show these amazing people how much we love them. Every cent will go to them, in an attempt to help them rebuild their lives."

A week after the Oct. 13 fire, $3,307 of the $5,000 goal had been raised by 79 people.

According to the Waukesha Fire Department, a fire started in the first-floor kitchen area just before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. When crews arrived to single-family residence at 1026 Genesee St., they found smoke ventilating from the first and second floors.

The homeowners were at work at the time of the fire and arrived on the scene after crews extinguished the fire.

The homeowners were able to find alternate housing, Battalion Chief Mark Sweet said. The fire remains under investigation by the fire and police departments. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The estimated damage is $50,000, Sweet said.

But for the Waukesha couple, the loss goes beyond just the structural damage of their home. Sweet said four dogs and one ferret were found dead inside the home.

Three cats, two dogs and one ferret survived the fire and were picked up by the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County.

According to the fundraising website, the Waukesha couple are both dedicated animal lovers.

"They have rescued, fostered, adopted and loved more animals than I can count," wrote the couple's friend who launched the gofundme account. "They recently purchased the house with happiness that they finally had the space to continue their mission."

To donate to the couple's recovery fund, see bit.ly/Waukesharecoveryfund.