Around 12:43PM today, a call was relayed to the Chippewa Falls Fire Department that smoke was coming from a commercial building near 18 West Willow Street. “Caller did not believe that it was occupied.” By 12:48, Engine 1 was responding to the structure fire with the subsequent comment, “this could be the welding shop. We’ve had a call there before for the wood stove.” 4 officers were on scene with video as well. This was now a 3 alarm fire and would be upgraded to 4 alarm at 12:53. Flames were visible in the back of the building.
All firefighting resources were being called in and additional personnel needed time to organize. Also police needed to expand the restricted area from one block of West Willow to Bridge Street near Holiday as a second hydrant was deployed. Water demands were high.
Many spectators gathered across the street near Jimmy John’s and the former Pam’s Quick Wash and took videos with their mobile phones. The building was, in fact, attached to Krueger’s Welding Shop, though it appeared to be used for housing vehicles as shown on Google’s August 2019 street view. The fire’s origin was not reported as of this evening and no injuries were reported either.
Contrary to WEAU-TV’s reporting, the fire did not affect Main Street across town, but Bay Street along with West Willow Street and North Bridge Street. Also, contrary to WQOW-TV’s reporting, the fire was called in prior to 1PM. Flames were visible; however, when the above photos were taken at 1:06PM.
Around 8:30PM, only a single fire engine and one official with a vest remained, who appeared to be investigating the scene. The alley behind is blocked and the building is taped off. This is private property and should not be intruded upon by the public.
References:
https://www.weau.com/2021/02/27/ongoing-fire-in-chippewa-falls/
https://wqow.com/2021/02/27/chippewa-fire-department-stay-clear-of-area/
https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/31670
https://wordpress.com/post/chippewaphotos.wordpress.com/1179
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