On August 5, 2025, at approximately 4:24 p.m., the Eau Claire Fire Department (ECFD) responded to a reported structure fire at 509 South Barstow Street. A first-alarm assignment was dispatched after a tenant arrived home to find their apartment filled with smoke and a fire in the kitchen.
Prior to ECFD’s arrival, a neighbor was able to knock down the visible flames using a fire extinguisher. Upon arrival, Chief 2 reported heavy smoke coming from an apartment on the third floor. Engine 2 was the first engine on location and advanced a hose line to the third floor to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Fire crews conducted a search of the affected apartment and located a cat, which was unharmed. The remainder of the apartment complex was safely evacuated. One occupant was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Crews confirmed there was no fire extension to other parts of the structure. Positive pressure fans were deployed to ventilate the apartment and remove residual smoke from the building. ECFD Inspector 1 arrived on scene and initiated the cause and origin investigation. The fire was determined to have originated in the area of the stove. The exact cause remains under investigation. Damages are estimated at approximately $40,000. The occupants of the affected apartment have been temporarily displaced and will be assisted by the Red Cross. All other tenants were allowed back into their apartments, and the building has been turned over to the property owners.
Responding units included: Engine 2, Truck 5, Engine 10, Medic 10, Engine 9, Medic 5, Battalion 1, Chief 1, Chief 2, and Inspector 1. ECFD was assisted on scene by the Eau Claire Police Department (ECPD), Eau Claire Communications Center, and Red Cross.
