WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – DOJ and DCI investigation begins after an early morning fire displaces multiple units, as flames raged high.
Just after 4:40 a.m. on Monday, the Riverside Fire District responded to a large fire at an apartment complex on the 600 block of Grand Avenue in Schofield. Flames could be seen billowing high as crews worked to extinguish it.
Several adults were injured and one adult was taken to the hospital. Another adult was found deceased on the scene.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a fire investigation.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause and origin of this fire. The DOJ also said the nature of these fire investigations requires significant time to reach a final determination.
Several agencies assisted Riverside Fire District on scene including Kronenwetter Fire Department, City of Wausau Fire Department, Easton Fire Department, Ringle Fire Department, Marathon City Fire Department, Mosinee Fire Department, SAFER, Mountain Bay Police, Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Kathryn Halvorsen, the executive director for the Red Cross of Northcentral Wisconsin, said that they were ready to help in any way they can. Halvorsen said, “Offering financial assistance, case work has been opened, guiding them through mental health resources, counseling. We’re here for whatever they might need going forward.”
Halvorsen also said about 10 apartments were impacted by the fire along with 12 tenants.
Fortunately, she said that everyone who was displaced has found somewhere else to stay.