Submitted photo.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, at 3:45 p.m., Phillips Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire on Deer Lake Lane in the Township of Worcester in Phillips. Dispatch reported that the house was nearly fully engulfed, and the occupants were evacuating. According to a family member of the home owners, all people and pets exited safely.
According to Fire Chief Dave Lontcoski, "Phillips Fire responded with an engine, tender, pumper/tanker, heavy rescue, two chiefs, and twelve firefighters.
"Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire coming from the roof of the three-story home. Firefighters made an interior attack but had to pull out and go defensive when parts of the roof started to collapse."
Command requested a MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) to the first alarm. Area fire departments responded. Park Falls Fire responded with a squad and five firefighters; Fifield Fire responded with an engine, tender, and command vehicle, a chief, and six firefighters; Prentice Fire responded with a tender, squad, chief, and firefighters; and Catawba Fire responded with an engine, tender, chief, and eight firefighters.
"Due to the size of the home and the lack of accessibility to the roof area, the alarm was upgraded requesting a ladder truck from Park Falls. Park Falls Fire responded with the ladder and four additional firefighters.
"Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. Five tenders were used to haul water to the scene from hydrants in the city. Approximately 60,000 gallons of water was used to completely extinguish the fire.
"The fire is still under investigation, but it appears to have started around the chimney area and spread rapidly to the roof," the chief reported.
Phillips EMS, Phillips Police Department, Price County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management, Price Electric, Phillips Water Department, and the Town of Worcester also assisted at the scene.
Phillips Fire & Rescue would like to thank all that assisted at the fire. "It's great how everyone can work together as a team," Dave said.
According to a family member of the fire victims, donations can be made to the “Ketterhagen VanGhem Donation Account” at any Forward Bank location. My Price County asked if any items are needed, and the family member felt that clothing may be needed. If we get information regarding the sizes or any other needs and where to drop off items, we will update this article. At the time of publication, this is all the information we have been provided.
Submitted photos.