FIRE IN TOWN OF MERRILL DESTROYS GARAGE, HOME SPARED AMIDST DIFFICULTIES
TOWN OF MERRILL – Shortly after 5:15 PM on Thursday, February 13th, The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched to 606 Cottage St for a detached garage fire in close proximity to the home. Engine-61 responded with only two personnel, as the remaining three on-duty staff were transporting a recently revived patient to Wausau Hospital.
Upon arrival firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from behind the house in the detached garage. Law enforcement officers assisted with deployment of hose lines in an attempt to prevent the fire spreading to the home. Additional aid was also requested Corning, Pine River, Russell, and Wausau Fire Departments along with Tomahawk EMS.
Limited personnel, water supply issues, weather and unruly bystanders made initial operations very difficult. A downed powerline nearly made contact with emergency personnel. Two police officers were taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The garage and contents were a total loss. The home only received exterior damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
