TOWNSHIP OF RICHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – In the early hours of March 14, a significant blaze broke out at the SV Pallet facility, located at 8128 State Highway 80, prompting a swift response from local fire departments and emergency services.
Shortly before 4:00 a.m., the Richfield Rural Fire Department received a dispatch reporting flames emerging from the business premises. Responding quickly, firefighters arrived on scene and by 4:06 a.m. had requested a MABAS Box Alarm to bolster the initial response. Upon arrival, emergency crews encountered a heavy fire emanating from the north manufacturing building, which measured approximately 60 feet by 200 feet. With the structure fully engulfed and confirmed to be unoccupied, commanders opted for a defensive firefighting strategy.
By 4:37 a.m., as the situation escalated, command personnel upgraded the response to a MABAS 2nd Alarm and coordinated additional support, including tenders from another agency. The intensity of the manufacturing facility’s fire load presented significant challenges, necessitating the use of over 300,000 gallons of water to contain the flames. Firefighters were ultimately successful in preventing the blaze from spreading to an attached warehouse—measuring 60 feet by 120 feet—which housed pallets.
Adverse weather conditions compounded the incident, as strong winds and dry vegetation contributed to several small grass fires ignited by airborne embers. Despite these complications, coordinated efforts ensured that all fires were controlled, with agencies remaining on scene until 1:25 p.m.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities.
The response included automatic aid from several neighboring agencies, with the Richfield Rural Fire Department leading the efforts. Additional support came from Arpin, Cameron, Hewitt, and Wood County Central RIT, along with MABAS alarm agencies from Auburndale, Lincoln, Marshfield, Pittsville, Rock, Stratford, and Vesper. Local agencies, including the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wood County Highway Department, Doine Excavating, and Alliant Energy, also assisted in managing the emergency.
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Author: News Desk
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