House extensively damaged in fire

BY PETE WICKLUND
Journal Times

Thursday, February 28, 2008 10:45 AM CST

WIND LAKE — Smoke detectors are being credited with helping a family escape a fire early Sunday morning that extensively damaged a residence at 26820 Oakridge Drive.

According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Department, Keith and Pamela Kodrich were awoken just after 3 a.m. when detectors started to sound. The couple discovered a light trace of smoke in the home, called for help and prepared to evacuate with their 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter.

Keith Kodrich checked the garage and discovered the blaze. The couple told deputies they had no idea how the fire started.

Wind Lake Fire Chief Tim Halter said investigators determined the fire started in the garage, but as of Wednesday they were still unsure about the cause. There were no injuries.

Halter said the fire did travel from the garage into the residence and firefighters had to pull down drywall in bathroom and kitchen areas of the bi-level structure to contain the blaze. He said the residence was left uninhabitable.

Wind Lake firefighters received help at the scene from fire crews from Waterford, Tichigan, Raymond, Muskego and Tess Corners and from the Racine Fire Bells.

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