Thursday, July 4, 2024

Six WELS Lutherans Were Killed in a Fire, Renting an Unlicensed BnB House.
The 25,000 Square Feet House Was Not Licensed and Never Has Been.


Most Recent News Report


MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The rental property that caught fire Sunday in Juneau County, leaving half a dozen people dead was not legally licensed to rent out according to the Wood County Health Department.

The property off Morro’s Mile Road near Necedah was being rented by a family when it caught fire overnight. Six people died including three children.

Neighbors say the home was regularly rented out through Airbnb. Records show the current owner from Lake Zurich, Illinois, bought the home last year for more than $387,000. The property sits on 3.57 acres of land. Online listings describe the home as having four bedrooms, and three bathrooms, and being 25,000 square feet. [GJ - must be a typo]

Ben Jeffrey with the Wood County Health Department confirms the property was not licensed to rent and has never been. Permits are issued annually and allow inspectors to go in and check for things like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and egresses. All lodging permits for properties in Juneau, Wood, and Adams counties are granted by the Wood County Health Department.

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GJ - This is a terrible tragedy. Members and friends have begun to raise funds for both families involved. The fire broke out around 2:30 AM, June 30th.