Fond du Lac County, WI – A wood burner explosion triggered a large structure fire Wednesday afternoon in the Town of Waupun, displacing a family and drawing a multi-agency emergency response, according to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sgt. Matt Riemenschneider, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received multiple 911 calls on Wednesday reporting a loud explosion at a property on N3879 Center Road. Callers indicated the blast may have originated from a wood burner located on the property.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office responded alongside the Waupun Fire Department. Upon arrival, crews found a 12-foot by 30-foot shed fully engulfed in flames. The shed housed the wood burner, which was used as the sole heat source for the residence. Due to the intensity of the fire and the risk it posed to an attached barn, additional emergency resources were requested.
Fire departments from Alto, Brandon-Fairwater, Brownsville, Burnett, Kekoskee, Lamartine, Markesan, Oakfield, Ripon, Rosendale, and the Town of Fond du Lac assisted at the scene. Lifestar Ambulance and Ripon Ambulance also responded, along with support from the Fond du Lac County Highway Department and the Town of Waupun.
The fire was eventually extinguished, but the shed was deemed a total loss, along with farm equipment stored inside. The attached barn sustained exterior damage. While the residence did not catch fire, officials said it was impacted because the destroyed wood burner provided heat for the home.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced family. Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported by civilians or emergency personnel.
Preliminary investigation indicates the explosion and fire were likely caused by a malfunction of the wood burner. The incident is not considered suspicious, though the investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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