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The fire at Chibbler’s Day Care, 515 S. Sixth St., is thought to have started when an incense burner fell on towels in the basement, said La Crescent Fire Chief Bernie Buehler.
It was reported about 9 a.m., he said.
“The kids were actually on a patio deck outside when we arrived,” Buehler said. “Police officers and several neighbors helped carry them to a neighbor’s house down the street.”
No one was injured, he said.
Jess Heeter, 32, of La Crescent, had an infant and a 5-year-old at the day care. She applauded owner Felicia Buck’s quick action to get the kids out of the house.
“Of course it’s scary,” Heeter said. “I’m glad she was the person watching my kids. I trust her. I haven’t met anyone else I would want to help me raise my kids.”
The home’s basement sustained heavy fire damage, Buehler said. He estimated it took 30 minutes to put the blaze out.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Nancy Meyers, director of child care services with Family Resources in La Crosse, said she asks a lot of questions when visiting a home for day care certification.
“One of the questions I ask is do they have matches or lighters and where are they stored, so they’re not accessible to any children,” Meyers said.
She also would check for any burning candles or open flames, which sometimes can turn up, she said.
“You can go outside or step away to change a diaper and something can happen,” she said.
Ryan Stotts is a reporter for the La Crosse (Wis.) Tribune.
