Saturday Fire Causes 'Extensive Damage' to Port Home

Three Port Washington residents are temporarily without a home after a fire late Saturday afternoon on Apple Court.

The Port Washington Fire Department got a call at 3:48 p.m. Saturday about the fire, and was on scene by 3:54 p.m., Fire Chief Mark Mitchell said. 

Dan Chaudoir, a resident of the home at 1477 Apple Ct., was away in Door County with his wife and son. After the fire started, "we got plenty of calls, and we came back," he said.

Mitchell confirmed after talking with We Energies officials that the cause of the fire was electrical, due to bad wiring between the the electric meter and the circuit breaker box.

The fire consumed four rooms in the home, but the rest of the house had smoke and water damage throughout, Chaudoir said. He called the damage "extensive," and said the family will be living in temporary housing for the next six months.

"We're very greatful to all the departments that responded, particularly the Port Washington department and all our friends and family," Chaudoir said.

Mitchell is still waiting to meet with other department officials before confirming the cause of the fire. The department responded with three fire engines, a ladder truck and ambulances. Other departments that helped out included: Saukville, Grafton, Belgium, Fredonia, Cedarburg, Waubeka and Thiensville.