10.23.2024 UPDATE:
The Rice Lake Fire Department completed the fire investigation at 17 E. Messenger St. After a thorough investigation electrical and gas have been ruled out as the cause of the fire. The official cause of the fire is undetermined.
ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE
At approximately 1540 on October 17th, the Rice Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a reported building on fire at 17 East Messenger Street in the City of Rice Lake. The building housed Kitchen and
Floor Décor warehouse, Finewood Inc., Cheese Louise, and Agonic Brewing.
The first fire department unit arrived at approximately 1542 to find a multi-story building with the south
and east decks completely engulfed in flames and smoke and flames coming from the second story on
the south side. Firefighters initiated an aggressive exterior attack with a 1 3⁄4” handline and a 2 1⁄2” Blitzfire
attack line. As the wind driven fire grew, addition exterior attack was performed with multiple hand lines,
Blitzfire attack lines, apparatus mounted master streams and two aerial ladders.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by downed power lines, a broken natural gas line, and strong wind
gusts.
Water was supplied by hydrants, water shuttle and directly from Rice Lake.
Fire was spread to grass and a vinyl fence on the north side of the property, and also flower beds at 11
East Newton Street, one block to the north of the incident.
The fire was placed under control at approximately 1856.
The building and contents are a total loss.
All fire units were placed back in service at 2205.
The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
No damage estimates are available at this time.
One firefighter suffered a arm injury. There were no civilian injuries.
25 firefighters from the Rice Lake Fire Department were utilized during the incident.
Three Engines, one Aerial Ladder, one Tender, one Command unit, one utility vehicle, and one medical
unit responded to the scene. In addition to the response by the Rice Lake Fire Department, Marshfield Medical Center provided a paramedic unit for standby, Barron Fire department provided one Engine and one Aerial Ladder, Bear
Lake-Haugen Fire Department provided a pumping unit and a Support vehicle, Cameron Fire Department
provided one Engine and two Tenders. Rice Lake Utilities, WE Energies, and Andy Hagen Excavating provided support.
Release authorized by:
Jeff Frank
Captain, Rice Lake Fire Department
