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Watertown Family Safe After 2nd Street NW House Fire; GoFundMe Launched to Help Root Family Recover

Smiling family portrait with two parents and two young children in front of a rusted backdrop, Northeast Radio SD logo at top left.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Support is growing for a Watertown family displaced after an early‑morning house fire Monday on 2nd Street NW. A GoFundMe has been launched to assist Dillon and Doreen Root and their children as they face months of repairs and recovery.


Watertown Fire Rescue responded to the home at 414 2nd St. NW around 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 10, after a passerby noticed smoke and flames coming from the outside of the two‑story residence. According to the department’s media release, all occupants had evacuated safely before firefighters arrived.

Fire-damaged kitchen with soot-covered cabinets, stove and floor, debris scattered, daylight from a curtained sliding door.

Fire crews quickly knocked down the fire and confirmed it had not spread into the attic. Municipal Utilities shut off power to the home, and the department’s Fire Chaplain assisted the family while firefighters helped retrieve essential belongings. No injuries were reported. The cause remains under review by the Fire Marshal.


Family Says Smoke Detectors Did Not Activate

According to the GoFundMe created by Melissa Elverud, Doreen’s sister, the fire began near the deck and kitchen area. Elverud wrote that the home had working smoke detectors, but they did not activate during the fire. A passerby and her husband alerted the family by banging on the door.


Dillon, Doreen, and their children — James and Raelynn — escaped without injuries, along with the family cat, Misty.

Burned backyard deck with a grill and propane tank, charred stairs, and damaged house siding after a fire.

Months of Displacement Expected

Elverud says the home sustained water, smoke, and fire damage affecting the kitchen and basement. The family expects it will be months before they can return home. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.


GoFundMe Established to Assist the Family

The fundraiser states that all donations will go directly to Dillon and Doreen as they navigate temporary housing, cleanup, and recovery expenses.


If anyone wants to donate gift cards/ monetary donations but doesn’t feel inclined to donate to the GoFundMe link, they can be dropped off at Doug’s Anchor and Marine as well!


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Damaged basement ceiling with exposed beams, wires, and a broken drop ceiling above storage bins.

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