Deep fryer may have caused house fire

NEW ULM -- The fire that destroyed a house Sunday in New Ulm likely happened because a deep fryer was left unattended in the attached garage, firefighter officials said.

The couple who lived in the home on 325 Hollywood Ave. apparently turned on a deep fryer before they left for church Sunday morning, according to New Ulm Fire Chief Dave Wolf.

Mike Buechner and Christine Wolf reportedly planned to place a turkey in the fryer when they returned from church services.

The deep fryer is heated by a propane tank below the cooker. Either the grease ignited or the propane tank broke, causing the fire to begin in the attached garage.

"The fire spread up the walls and into the living quarters," Dave Wolf said.

Dave Wolf isn't sure the fire could have been stopped even if the couple had been home at the time.

The American Red Cross was called shortly after the fire. However, the couple's insurance is covering the costs and no Red Cross aid was given, said John Paulsen of the Brown County chapter.

The couple was given the option to stay at a hotel or with friends. They could not be reached for comment.

Firefighters and New Ulm police received the fire call just before noon Sunday, and arrived shortly thereafter. They spent 2 1/2 hours fighting the blaze.

A benefit fund has been established at Alliance Bank in New Ulm. People can contribute by dropping off or mailing a check to "Buechner-Wolf Benefit Fund,", P.O. Box 757, New Ulm, 56073.