On Wednesday April 5,2023 at 5:39PM Wheaton Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a medical
alarm at 2754 20th Street in the Town of Wheaton, Chippewa County, south of STH 29. Shortly after the
initial call the Chippewa County Communications Center advised that the call was potentially a fire
response as the alarm company stated they could hear a smoke alarm in the background and someone
stating the words fire.
First arriving fire units reported smoke coming from the first floor of the two-story residence. It was
believed the occupant of the residence; an elderly female was still inside. A fire suppression agent FST
(Fire Suppression Tool) was deployed knocking down the fire, Wheaton Fire & Rescue made entry into
the first floor to conduct search and rescue.
The female occupant was located in the living room area of the residence, she was removed by the
entry team. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the occupant was pronounced dead at the
scene.
The fire was extinguished in the living area of the residence. Overhaul indicated no extension of the fire
to other parts of the residence, however the entire residence had significant smoke damage. The fire is
believed to have started near a chair in the center of the living room. The fire is not suspicious in
nature. Exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
One Wheaton firefighter was treated at the scene and transported by Eau Claire Fire Department
Medics to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Wheaton Fire Rescue was assisted by Eau Claire Fire Department Medic units, Chippewa County
Sheriff’s Deputies, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department Communications Center, State Fire
Marshalls Office, and the Chippewa County Coroner’s Office.
