SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Fire officials say a man and a dog were killed in a house fire on Pershing Avenue in Sheboygan early on Monday morning.
Family members have identified the man who died as Mike Johst.
Officials with the Sheboygan Fire Department Dispatch Center say they received a report about a fire at the home around 12:03 a.m. They say it was called in by someone who saw smoke and heard smoke alarms sounding from the home.
WATCH: Person and dog found dead after house fire in Sheboygan
According to fire officials, when crews arrived, they saw smoke coming from the eaves and chimney area. Firefighters say they found a fire burning in the kitchen and stairway area.
Watch: Man and dog found dead after house fire in Sheboygan
While searching the area, crews say they found a man and a dog that had both died in the fire.
Daniel Maxey, who knew Johst for more than a decade, said the two often chatted when Johst walked past with his dog. “He’d just come right up by my patio and talk to me,” Maxey said. “That’s how Mike was.” He sends his condolences to the family.
Rebecca Lomis‑Stephan met Johst for the first time last week. She said he seemed “at peace” and happy as he sat on her bench and petted a dog. “It’s shocking. All of it’s just shocking,” she said of the fire. Heavy smoke blew toward her apartment early Monday morning.
Fire officials say crews were able to quickly control and extinguish the fire within minutes. They say the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Sheboygan Fire Department is reminding everyone to install smoke alarms on every level of their homes. They say the alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced annually.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
