Multiple Agencies Respond to Large Structure Fire in Tomahawk

TOMAHAWK, WI (OnFocus) – On Thursday November 2nd, 2023 at approximately 6:07 AM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched the Tomahawk Fire Department to 22 West Wisconsin Avenue (Nachos Mexican Grill) in the City of Tomahawk for a report of a structure fire.

Initial response from Tomahawk Fire included Engine 3, Engine 5 and Rescue 1, as well as Tomahawk EMS. Automatic aid was requested from Nokomis Fire for a full response. The first arriving engine company began an aggressive interior attack, but soon found significant extension of the fire throughout the structure and into the roof. While firefighters worked to contain the fire, it soon spread to the adjacent Century 21 Realty building.

Utilizing the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System), the incident was elevated to the box level bringing engines from the Town of Pine River, Russell, Crescent and Little Rice, as well as an aerial truck from the Merrill Fire Department. As the size and complexity of the fire grew, additional resources were brought in through MABAS, with the incident being elevated up to the 3rd level. Aerial trucks from Merrill and Rhinelander were utilized for fire suppression for the roof and areas that were not safe for firefighters to access.

Working with the Tomahawk Public Works Dept, it was quickly determined that the amount of water being required for the fire ground operations was beginning to tax the city’s water supply. A water tender operation was established, utilizing the boat landing at SARA Park for a fill site. Given the volume of water needed to support the fire ground operations, a strike team of tenders was requested to respond from MABAS Division 130 (Marathon County). Over 250,000 gallons of water were utilized from the hydrant system and over 60,000 gallons of water from the tender operations.

In total over 15 different agencies responded to the scene including Nokomis, Pine River, Hazelhurst, Merrill, Crescent, Cassian, Little Rice, Minocqua, Rhinelander, Corning, Russell, Maine, Tomahawk EMS, Taylor County EMS-Rib Lake, Tomahawk Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, Lincoln County Emergency Management, Tomahawk Public Works and a strike team of tenders from MABAS Division 130. The Lincoln County Highway Dept, PCA Mill, and Schoone Construction provided fuel trucks to supply the numerous engines committed to operations. Mr. Ed’s Excavating provided an excavator to remove debris and allow firefighters to fully extinguish the fire. Retired members from Tomahawk Fire also responded to assist on the scene as well.

All of the occupants from the apartments above the restaurant were able to make it out of the building prior to the arrival of firefighters. Some of the occupants sought medical treatment later on for possible smoke inhalation. One firefighter was transported by Tomahawk EMS to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital for minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. The Tomahawk Fire Department is being assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Fire Marshalls Office in the investigation. Firefighters remained on scene well into the afternoon on Thursday.

Chief Paul Winter wants to thank the Tomahawk community for the outpouring of support during this incident. Numerous businesses and citizens donated food and refreshments for the firefighters working on the scene. At times like this, we realize what a close-knit community we have, going above and beyond to support one another.

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