Grease fire results in serious damage to Gilmanton-area home

Two people managed to escape their burning home with their dog after a cooking mishap resulted in a significant fire on Saturday, April 23.

According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, which took the 911 call from the homeowner, Eugene Bloom, the ground level of the home at S973 State Highway 88 was completely engulfed in flames when the Mondovi Fire Department arrived on scene.

Firefighters were eventually able to extinguish the flames and continued to monitor the scene to ensure the fire wouldn’t reignite.

Authorities say the fire was caused when the homeowner was cooking and believed the burner on the stove was turned off, but it was accidently turned up to a high setting. Grease in a pan caught on fire and the homeowner and his wife, Cynthia Bloom, were unable to extinguish it.

The couple then exited the home with their dog and called 911.

Eugene Bloom was transported by Mondovi Ambulance to Mayo Eau Claire to be treated for smoke inhalation. Cynthia Bloom was treated at the scene and released.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the Blooms.

Also responding to the fire were the Dover First Responders, Waumandee-Lincoln-Montana Fire Department and Riverland Energy.