05/26/2026
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Single Family Dwelling Fire in Town of Ottawa; 4800 Block of E Pretty Lake Road
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The Western Lakes Fire District (WLFD) was dispatched to a reported Single Family Dwelling Fire at 4853 E Pretty Lake Road at 2157 hrs on Monday, May 26th. Waukesha County Communications Center (WCC) alerted for a fire in the basement of a tri-level single-family residence. While WLFD was en route to the scene WCC advised that the resident and his cat were able to exit the residence and stated that the fire engulfed the basement living space. Based upon that information WLFD upgraded the call to request mutual aid for the rural area fire. Crews from Station 52 (Dousman Station) were the first to arrive on scene and made contact with the resident and were able to locate and confirm a working fire in the basement of the tri-level lakeside home. Station 52 personnel, with the assistance of Station 51 (Pabst Farms) personnel, were able to quickly bring the fire under control; while a simultaneous search was conducted of the structure to ensure the structure was clear of occupants. Fire crews overhauled the fire to ensure the fire did not extend into any void spaces. The fire’s area of origin was in a lower-level office space. The cause is attributed to a candle being used for lighting while the residence was without power, following an unrelated tree-on-wire incident in the area. There were no injuries to either the resident or any firefighters.
Western Lakes Fire District reminds all residents to have a plan whenever power is interrupted to your residence or business. All homeowners should have battery-powered flashlights or lanterns to light their home during the power outage, not candles or any other unattended open flame products.
"When the power goes out, resist the urge to reach for candles or open flames. A single unattended flame can turn a minor inconvenience into a devastating tragedy. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns to keep your family safe until the lights come back on."— Western Lakes Fire District, Assistant Chief Joseph Hoffman
Western Lakes Fire District thanks their mutual aid partners, Hartland Fire Department, Kettle Moraine Fire District, Lake Country Fire Rescue, Village of Merton, Mukwonago Fire Department, Pewaukee Fire Department, and Vernon Fire Department for their response. WLFD would also like to thank the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, WE Energies Gas and Electric, Kelmann Restoration and the Pretty Lake Community for their support and assistance during their neighbor’s time of need. The District does not anticipate releasing any additional information. For any additional questions or concerns, please contact the On-Duty Battalion Chief / Shift Commander at 262-567-8282 or [email protected]
