Wisconsin Rapids Fire Chief Says Victim of Deadly House Fire was 16-Year-Old

Friday, May 24th, 2024 -- 2:00 PM

(WSAW Staff, WSAW) Wisconsin Rapids Fire Chief Todd Eckes says the victim in a deadly fire was a 16-year-old girl.

According to WSAW staff, the fire happened shortly after midnight Wednesday on 11th Street South. According to the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, three other occupants were home when the fire broke out, but were able to escape the building.

One of those three was transported to an area hospital. Chief Eckes said the girl’s dog also died in the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.

According to officials with the fire department, they were met with heavy fire and smoke coming from the first and second levels of the structure. Officials say the home is considered a total loss.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating. Crews from Grand Rapids, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, Biron, Rudolph, and Vesper helped to fight the fire. The City of Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire, along with the Division of Criminal Investigation.

The girl has been identified as Carolina Oliva.

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