WAUPUN FIRE & RESCUE MEDIA RELEASE:
May 24, 2023
Fire Chief BJ DeMaa
Waupun Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire
WAUPUN — At 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, Waupun Fire Crews responded to 1106 Rock Avenue (Parkview Apartments) for a fire in a second floor apartment. Upon arrival, fire had spread to a second apartment unit and to the eaves, stretching the length of the building. Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Box 10-11 to the 3 rd level was opened to bring in additional help from neighboring communities. First arriving crews confirmed that everyone was out of the building and began suppression efforts outside the building before making entry into the building. Crews removed portions of the ceilings in 4 units due to fire spreading into the attic space. Crews had a majority of the fire knocked down in 45 minutes however remained on scene for over 3 hours checking for hot spots.
The 16-unit, 2-story apartment building is owned by Integrity Investments, Inc. out of Brookfield, WI. The building sustained significant damage to 2 units and well as to portions of the roof’s structure. 4 other units sustained damaged due to water and overhaul operations. A Family Assistance Center was set up at the Waupun Senior Center this afternoon for the 22 residents. 19 individuals are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross. Any residents of the apartment still needing help are encouraged to contact the Waupun Fire Department at 920-324-7910. It is unknown at this point how long the building will be closed.
There are no initial damage estimates at this time. As more assessments of the structure are completed, total damage estimates should become clearer. No firefighters or individuals at the scene were hurt during the incident. There was one cat that was taken for medical treatment. The fire investigation is ongoing but the fire appears to have originated on a second floor balcony.
The following departments and agencies provided assistance today: Alto FD, Beaver Dam FD, Brandon-Fairwater FD, Brownsville FD, Burnett FD, City of Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue, Fox Lake FD, Horicon FD, Knowles FD, Lamartine FD, Oakfield FD, Ripon FD, Theresa FD, Town of Fond du Lac FD, a Rapid Intervention Team from RIT District 4, Lifestar Ambulance, Ripon Guardian Ambulance, Waupun First Responders, Waupun Police Department, Waupun Utilities, Alliant Energy, City Staff from Waupun City Hall, and the American Red Cross. A special thanks goes out to the Fond du Lac and Dodge County Dispatch Centers for their support as well.
