TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Lincoln County Dispatch Center took a call reporting a garage fire at a home on Mary Todd Ct. in the Town of Rock Falls. Initial reports indicated smoke and flames were coming out of the eves of the detached garage; however, other structures on the property were within 30-40 feet of the burning building. The Merrill Fire Department (MFD) was dispatched to the scene for the structure fire and responded with Engine 61, Medic 61, Medic 63, and Tender 65. Tomahawk EMS and Wisconsin Public Service were requested to the scene and a General Alarm for off-duty Merrill firefighters was issued.
The first units to arrive on scene confirmed smoke coming from the eves and flames coming out of the north side of the building above the overhead garage doors. Crews deployed and began to extinguish the exterior flames, then forced entry through a service door on the north side of the garage to extinguish interior flames.
While the fire was extinguished, the structure and contents sustained fire, smoke, and heat damage, according to a release from the MFD.
Initial investigation indicated the fire was unintentional and “likely caused by a bug zapper that was plugged in and placed very close to an interior wall” and suggested that the bug zapper “may have overheated or had a malfunction,” the MFD said.
No injuries were reported.
