Racine Firefighters Rescue 8 Pets in Rapid Response to Rapids Drive Blaze

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) — Firefighters battled a fire at a home on Rapids Drive Thursday night, rescuing eight pets and putting out the fire within 15 minutes of arrival.

The Racine Fire Department responded to the 3100 block of Rapids Dr. at 6:58 p.m. after reports of smoke and flames coming from a first-floor window. Engine 2 got there first and started an attack through the kitchen window.  Nineteen firefighters from multiple units responded. 

Crews safely rescued four cats and four dogs, with one cat still unaccounted for. No one was in the home during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected. Investigators noted the absence of working smoke alarms in the home.

Damage estimates stand at $50,000 for the structure and $10,000 for contents. The Racine Police Department assisted with traffic control on Rapids Dr., briefly closing the road in both directions.