TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Firefighters from the Town of Pine River, Hewitt Area, Town of Texas, and the City of Merrill were initially dispatched to the scene of a house and garage fire in the Town of Pine River at 4:12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. Town of Russell firefighters joined the crews to provide additional assistance later into evening hours. John Uttecht, Fire Chief with the Town of Pine River Volunteer Fire Department, was Command on the scene and confirmed that the fire started in the garage and then spread to the home. However, as of early Monday afternoon, Mar. 1, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Owners Joseph and Amy Kirst and their dog escaped without injury, but the home and attached garage at W3771 Center Rd., Merrill, along with a truck, are a total loss. The family was able to retrieve a few personal items from the home, and a family member confirmed that they did have insurance. However, a fund to assist Joe and Amy Kirst with uncovered expenses has been set up at Park City Credit Union, 501 S. Pine Ridge Ave. in Merrill and funds are also being accepted at the reception desk at Lincoln Wood Products, 1400 W. Taylor St., Merrill.
