Fire Destroys Group Home in Guttenberg

A group home for people with intellectual disabilities in Guttenberg was destroyed by fire last night.

Emergency crews responded to the home, located in the 500 block of North Second Street, shortly after 8 p.m.

There was smoke and fire coming out of the south end of the home and staff told firefighters there were five people who were missing.

Within minutes four of the missing people were located outside of the building and the fifth was found inside the home. All five were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment for any injuries.

The group home is owned and operated by Imagine the Possibilities and housed five people.

An initial investigation indicated the fire started in a carport but a cause had not been determined.

Emergency management was working with organizations to provide shelter to the displaced residents.