Fire Department

A tree took down power lines behind a home Saturday, igniting a fire that ultimately damaged multiple trees and an outside wooden deck.

Engine 9 observed moderate smoke as they approached the residence. As two firefighters brought their bumper line around to the rear of the house, two more assessed the downed wires. They used a water extinguisher to try to control the ground fire, remaining cognizant of the live electrical wires nearby.

While awaiting the help of MGE, the wire began arcing very strongly and started the canopy of adjacent pines and cedars on fire. Firefighters applied a water and foam mixture to the trees to keep the fire from extending further.

The arcing and vegetation fire also ignited a detached wood deck of a neighboring property.

After MGE shut down electrical power, Engine 9 was able to extinguish all remaining fire. It took a total of 233 gallons of water to do so.