Published: Oct. 19, 2017
Town of Kewaskum home devastated by fire
ndettmann@conleynet.com
262-306-5043
TOWN OF KEWASKUM — No injuries were reported
and no residents were home when a fire tore through a two-story home Wednesday
afternoon at 8975 Highland Drive, near the Highway H intersection west of
Kewaskum.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said,
in a news release, the home is likely a total loss.
James Warnkey, 1st captain for the Kewaskum
Fire Department, said upon the department’s arrival, smoke and flames were
visible and the call was upgraded to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, or MABAS —
a call to request for assistance.
Fire departments from West Bend, Allenton,
Kohlsville, Jackson, Boltonville, Fillmore, St. Lawrence, Slinger, Newburg and
Campbellsport responded and assisted the Kewaskum Fire Department.
The Sheriff’s Office assisted with the closure
of Highland Avenue, which was shut down to allow the fire departments to work.
We Energies also
responded.
The Sheriff’s Office said the call came at
12:09 p.m.
Later, Warnkey said a second call for
assistance was made for additional water and labor resources.
Warnkey said there was extensive fire damage
to the second floor and there was also damage in the basement. The ground floor
of the home had smoke and water damage.
High winds coming from the southwest, Warnkey
said, played a factor in the fire and the firefighters’ attempt to extinguish
the blaze. There was also concern for the two tall trees that are next to the
home.
“(The wind) progressed things quickly,” he
said.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, an
investigation revealed there was work being done on the roof by a contractor
who had been grinding, which produced some sparks. The contractor left and one
of his colleagues, the caller, stayed behind. A while later, smoke and flames
were seen from the area where the work was being done.
The fire was extinguished at about 1:52 p.m.
Warnkey said it took the personnel on scene
about an hour to get the fire under control.
Estimated damages for the single-family home
with two residents was not available.
Warnkey said the fire was accidental and no
further investigation will take place.
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