Altoona family displaced after overnight fire
Monday, January 30, 2017
KC Brown and Thomas Hensen | WEAU
ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) -- Mark Parr had just returned to his home on S. Beach Dr. in Altoona late Sunday - just before midnight - after getting some groceries. His wife and young son were already sleeping.
"Got home, plugged the semi in and one of the house started watching TV," he said to WEAU 13 News on Monday. "A few minutes later, I heard a large pop."
Parr said he didn't know what it was. So, he went to the attached garage to investigate.
"Opened up the door and it was engulfed in flames," he said.
When Parr saw the fire, he attempted to put the fire out using two extinguishers he had.
"It was a lost cause. I just had to give up," he said.
Altoona fire responded to the Parr home and worked throughout the night to put out the fire. Township Fire and Eau Claire Fire Rescue also responded to the call.
As the sun rose Monday, what remained were charred reminders of years of memories.
"There's nothing you could do," Parr said. "You watch it and watch your life go up in flames - literally."
Mark was able to get his wife and son out of this house in time, but then quickly realized there were still two souls trapped inside.
The first was spotted as fire crews worked to move a vehicle away from the fire.
"I walked over there and was like 'What are you guys doing? We can't move this,'" Parr said. "They said 'We've got your dog.' I was almost in tears as she made it out."
And then, after the fire was completely out - another discovery.
"Go to my son's room, pulling out dresser drawers - there's the cat," Parr said. "Scared and skittish, but alive and well."
Both pets were taken to a local veterinarian Monday afternoon for check-ups.
Altoona Police officials spent Monday morning looking for a cause to the fire, but it has yet to be determined. As for Mark Parr, he spent Monday looking for answers about his family's future.
"Just trying to figure out where we go from here. The house is a total loss. No more home to come home to. Just going to have to start over," he said.
Parr said his family has a week at a local hotel taken care of and they have talked with the Red Cross for assistance, but admitted he isn't sure where his family will go after the overnight fire.
A neighbor of the Parr family, who operates Mac Man, by Oakwood Mall, has set up a donation webpage and a link to the site is located at the top of this story.
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ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) -- Three people inside, as well as two pets, were able to escape a house fire in Altoona early Monday morning.
It happened at 119 South Beach Dr., just off Lake Road.
Investigators tell us that a husband, wife and son, as well as a dog and a cat, are safe. The fire broke out Monday morning just after midnight.
Tonight on WEAU 13 News, hear from the homeowners.
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ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) --Crews were called to 119 South Beach Dr., just off of Lake Road and Joanne Lane on the south side of Lake Altoona shortly after midnight Monday morning.
When our photographer arrived on the scene he saw the attached garage covered in flames, and the fire quickly spreading to the home.
Firefighters were battling the fire for several hours, and the home has extensive damage.
We've put a call in to the Altoona Fire Department to ask about any injuries or the cause of the fire, but have yet to hear back.
We'll bring you the latest information as we get it.
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