Wauwatosa officials quickly put out house fire thanks to neighbor who cleared snow from hydrant

WAUWATOSA -- Wauwatosa officials responded to a fire inside a home near N. 105th and Knoll Boulevard Thursday morning, December 31st.

According to the Wauwatosa Fire Department, a newspaper delivery person noticed fire and smoke coming from the home and called 911 shortly after 6:45 a.m.

Authorities say with help from neighboring departments, the fire was under control within 40 minutes of the first-arriving units.

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The exact cause of the fire is undetermined but officials say it appears to have started in the attic and roof overhangs near a fireplace chimney.

Credit: Wauwatosa Fire Department

Working smoke detectors were found in the residence.

The damage to structure and property is estimated to be approximately $80,000.

According to officials there were no injuries.

The Wauwatosa Fire Department says the fire was able to be put out quickly thanks to a neighbor that had removed the snow from a fire hydrant in their yard after the recent snowfall. Fire officials say this action easily saved the department between 5-10 minutes of additional work and helped limit the damage to the home.