One man is dead along with one female injured as result of a house fire on River Street in Merrill on Saturday morning, Jan. 25.

According to a press release from the Merrill Fire Department, at approximately 10 a.m Saturday morning, the Merrill Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 1500 block of River Street in the City of Merrill. “Upon initial dispatch to the call it was reported there may be a person still inside the house needing rescue. Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. Unfortunately one of them received injuries while attempting to escape and there was one fatality. MFD Engine-62, Truck-63, and Medic-62 all responded immediately on the initial alarm. An ambulance from Tomahawk EMS was requested to the scene as well as an additional engine from Pine River Fire Department. Off-duty Merrill FD personnel were called back and responded to the scene with Squad 64. Wausau Fire Department Med-2 also responded to provide ambulance service during the fire.”
“Upon arrival, MFD personnel made several attempts to rescue the trapped victim but, to no avail as heavy smoke and fire conditions hampered the rescue attempt. A 37-year old male perished in the fire. A female patient who escaped the fire was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill. She was then transferred by Spirit Medical Transport to UW- Madison Burn Center. Remaining Merrill and Pine River firefighters worked to contain the fire through defensive operations.”
“At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined and is still under investigation. The Wisconsin State Fire Marshal’s office responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. It is unknown if the house had operating smoke detectors at the time of the fire. The condition of the female occupant who was injured is not known at this time. The family’s pet is currently unaccounted for. Wisconsin Public Service, Merrill Police Department, Salvation Army and Merrill Water Department also provided assistance on this incident. More information will be released once it becomes available.”