Mill Creek Drive House Fire Drew in Larger Response

Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) A house fire last Friday resulted in a total loss of the structure but no injuries.

A total of 13 area fire departments responded to the blaze at 8371 Mill Creek Drive, about three times the typical number for a residential fire, according to Chief Brian Hafermann, Hewitt Area Fire Department.

The fire was reported by a neighbor and was fully involved upon arrival of responders around 11:30 a.m. The age of the home and its heavy vertical timber structure made the fire difficult to extinguish, he said. This obstacle, combined with the fewer volunteer firefighters available during the daytime, led to a larger number of agencies that needed to be called to the scene.

The home’s metal roof also created an “oven effect” inside the structure and increased the intensity of the heat. Approximately 42 tanks of water were hauled to the scene, while normally 5-10 are used in a residential fire, said Hafermann. Water is taken from predetermined ponds to fill the tanks.

The fire was extinguished about 4 p.m. and units cleared the scene before 6 p.m. The cause has yet to be determined and is being investigated by the insurance company. No other structures were damaged and no one was in the residence at the time.

Just two weeks prior to the incident, eight local fire departments had taken part in a live fire training on Dec. 2 with a donated home. This type of training is extremely valuable to the departments and allows firefighters to become more familiar with each other.

“Anytime you know the person, at least know their name, things always go smoother,” said Hafermann. “We do a lot of work together to help get to know each other and enhance our skill sets to make scenes like this go smooth.”

The family displaced by the fire was able to find a home to rent and has received an outpouring of support from their church, North Ridge, and neighbors, which have provided household and food items. A method of providing further support to the family will be coordinated soon.

Traffic Alert: House Fire on Mill Creek Drive

Central Wisconsin Fire Agencies Complete Live Fire Training with Donated House