13 fire crews respond to Arbor Vitae blaze

13 local fire crews responded to a residential structure in Arbor Vitae last Friday afternoon.

Arbor Vitae Fire Rescue was dispatched a little after 1 p.m. Friday, April 18, for a structure fire at 11880 Grouse Covey Lane in the Town of Arbor Vitae.

The first company on scene reported heavy smoke and fire issuing from the roof. A MABAS Box Level activation was initiated, and brought crews in from Woodruff, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Lac du Flambeau and Plum Lake. A second alarm was requested a short time later, which had crews from Minocqua, Winchester and St. Germain responding. Due to staffing issues, a third alarm summoned departments from Land O’ Lakes, Presque Isle, Hazelhurst and Mercer for additional personnel.

Crews conducted an aggressive attack on the fire but were forced to retreat due to a roof collapse. All occupants were able to escape unharmed, and no firefighters were injured. 

After knocking down the fire, the departments were able to return to the exterior and complete extinguishment.

No damage estimate is available at this time. There was heavy fire damage to the roof and attic, resulting in a partial collapse, and heavy water damage throughout the rest of the home from fire extinguishment operations. 

Crews assisted the homeowners in removing salvageable personal belongings and ensured that all hotspots were extinguished. All fire departments cleared the scene by 5 p.m.

The fire is believed to have originated in the chimney chase area above the fire box. The occupants had started a fire in the fireplace a short time before the fire was discovered. The fire remains under investigation.