Fatal Residential Fire - Town of Sand Creek

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office reports that on November 6th, 2017 at 8:20 P.M. the Dunn County 911 Communications Center received a report of residential fire at N12946 870th Street in the Township of Sand Creek. Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Sand Creek Fire, Colfax Fire and EMS and Chippewa Fire Protection District responded to the scene.

When deputies arrived it was determined that a 69-year-old female resided alone at the residence. Investigation on scene indicated that the female was most likely home during the fire. Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Investigators began their investigation and were able to locate a body believed to be the female resident in the interior of the home. The Dunn County Medical Examiner responded to the scene.

Today, November 7th 2017 an autopsy will be performed. Identification of the victim and the results of the autopsy will be released as soon as information becomes available. Investigation into the origin of the fire continues.

Update:

The incident address is N12946 780th Street in the Township of Sand Creek not 870th Street as previously released.

The female who was found deceased, who was located just inside the doorway of the residence, has been positively identified as:

Kathleen E. Johnson F/W 69 years of age.

Cause of death as determined by autopsy was Carbon Monoxide Poisoning due to Smoke Inhalation.

Origin of the fire has been determined to have started in the living room area of the residence near a wood burning fire place.

Do to the extent of the fire damage sustained to the residence the cause will be officially listed as undetermined.