BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Fire Department (MFD) reported to a structure fire at 1103 Jefferson St. in Merrill last evening. The call came in around 8:00 p.m. and “Engine-61, Med-61 & 63-Truck responded immediately to the scene” according to MFD Fire Chief Josh Klug. “Upon arrival, they found significant fire coming from the home.”
“Crews began extinguishing the fire & protecting exposures,” he said.
That structure was a ranch style home with an attached garage. All three occupants were able to escape the blaze “with minor injuries,” Klug said.
“We are glad the occupants were able to escape this fast advancing fire,” he said. “This is an example of the minimal time people have during a fire to get out.”
The garage was completely destroyed; the house was almost totally destroyed and the part left standing was extensively damaged by fire, smoke, and water; and the structure, along with multiple vehicles parked near the garage at the time of the fire, appear to be a total loss.
Mutual aid was given by Wausau Fire Department, Pine River Fire Department, Russell Fire Department, and Corning Fire Department along with Tomahawk EMS, Merrill Police Department, and Wisconsin Public Service.
While the blaze appears to have started in the garage, “the cause of the fire is not known at this time,” Klug said.
