Worst Wisconsin Fires
Wisconsin, with a population of 5.896 million, experiences the worst air quality in the United States due to dense smoke from wildfires.
Wildfires have consumed 4,366 acres of Wisconsin land in 2023 compared to 726 acres consumed in 2023. [1]
Here are 8 of the worst fires experienced by Wisconsin in 2023.
1. Waushara County wildfire that covered 830 acres
2. Wisconsin woman died in SUV fire amid electrical malfunctions
3. Barn fire in western Wisconsin claimed the lives of 150+ animals
4. Pregnant driver saved students as bus catches fire
5. West Allis apartment fire resulted in injuries to 3 individuals
6. Milwaukee wrestling team recalled bus fire in rural Wisconsin
7. A 911 dispatcher didn’t know kids shouting ‘Mom’ meant her own home emergency
Wildfire in Waushara County encompassing 830 acres
An 830-acre wildfire in Waushara County, southeast of Coloma was finally contained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) known as the Pallet Fire, and it resulted in the loss of three primary structures and 17 secondary structures, primarily caused by burning debris.
Gusty winds and drought conditions contributed to the fire’s erratic behavior, with spot fires ahead of the main blaze. Firefighters are still working on scene suppression and structure protection. Eight firefighters were treated and released for injuries.
Drought conditions persist in Wisconsin, affecting over 5 million residents. More than 92% of the population is living under drought conditions, and rainfall in June ranged from two to six inches. Wildfire activity has surged this year, with 764 fires burning 4,415 acres in DNR protection areas. [2]
Wisconsin woman died in SUV fire amid electrical malfunctions
Mary Frahm, a 73-year-old McFarland resident, tragically lost her life in a car fire incident on December 9. [3] While driving, her car experienced electrical malfunctions, leading to smoke and flames. Despite efforts to unlock the doors and call for help, she succumbed to the fire before responders arrived. The vehicle had a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), a component linked to electrical system issues in some Chrysler vehicles.
Although Chrysler had recalled certain models in 2009 due to TIPM concerns, Frahm’s car was not part of any recall. The incident has prompted an investigation by Frahm’s family, exploring potential legal action against the vehicle manufacturer. In the past, Chrysler faced a class-action lawsuit over TIPM defects, settling after recalling specific models.
The Center for Auto Safety raised concerns about TIPMs in various Chrysler vehicles, urging recalls in 2014. Frahm, a well-known figure in the local disability community, devoted her life to community service, and her family sought answers regarding the tragic incident.
A barn fire in western Wisconsin claimed the lives of 150+ animals
A barn in western Wisconsin caught fire, causing a heartbreaking loss of more than 150 animals, including horses, cows, goats, and chickens. [4] The Rice Lake Fire Department responded quickly, but the barn was already fully on fire when they arrived. Thankfully, two horses and three pigs escaped without harm, and no people or firefighters were injured.
The damage to the property is estimated to be $225,000. The fire department is currently investigating the cause of the fire. The community is now dealing with the sad aftermath of this tragic event.
Pregnant driver saved students as bus catches fire
Imunek Williams, eight months pregnant, detected issues, pulled her bus over and ensured the safety of all 37 students. Smoke made communication challenging, but Williams evacuated everyone just before the bus burst into flames. [5]
Transported to the hospital as a precaution, Williams expressed relief that no one was hurt.
West Allis apartment fire resulted in injuries to 3 individuals
A significant apartment fire on W. Wildwood Lane prompted a rapid response from the West Allis Fire Department.
The incident escalated to a third-alarm fire, requiring assistance from 81 firefighters across five different departments. Crews rescued individuals, including two small children, from the affected units. [6]
At least three people were hospitalized, likely due to smoke inhalation. The fire impacted ten apartments, resulting in the building being deemed uninhabitable, with portions as a total loss and others requiring rehabilitation.
Approximately 30 people were displaced, receiving assistance from the Red Cross and U-Haul. The cause of the fire is unknown, and an investigation is underway with support from the Milwaukee Police Department. The incident emphasizes the importance of fire safety measures.
Milwaukee wrestling team recalled a bus fire in rural Wisconsin
The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s wrestling team faced a scary experience when their bus caught fire near Rice Lake, Wisconsin, returning from a tournament in Itasca, Minnesota. [7]
After hearing a tire pop, the team quickly evacuated as flames, suspected to have originated from the brake system, engulfed the bus. The Barron County Sheriff’s Department provided support during the five-hour ordeal, where the team played games and had a modest dinner. Unfortunately, the fire consumed personal belongings, laptops, and wrestling equipment.
The 911 dispatcher answers a call about her own home on fire
Emergency dispatcher Marisa Anderson faced a shocking turn of events when a 911 call came in, and she recognized the screams of “Mom” from her children.
The call revealed that her own house in northeastern Wisconsin was on fire. Remaining composed, Anderson assured her kids she was on her way. Fortunately, her 12-year-old son Landon acted swiftly, alerting his sister and her friend, who managed to escape. [8]
Despite the family’s safe exit, their pets perished in the fire, leaving Landon deeply affected. The incident, believed to be caused by an electrical cord, resulted in the loss of all their belongings. The Southern Door County Fire Chief acknowledged the tragic irony of the dispatcher, who usually aids others, needing help that day.
If you have sustained burns in a fire in Wisconsin, contact the burn injury lawyers in Appleton for legal representation.
Sources:
[1] Charniak, R. (2023, August 17). Wildfire Numbers Increase Significantly in Wisconsin in 2023. 1330 & 101.5 WHBL. https://whbl.com/2023/08/17/wildfire-numbers-increase-significantly-in-wisconsin-in-2023/
[2] Holmes, I. (2023, July 12). Waushara County wildfire that covered 830 acres is part of a bigger picture – Wisconsin Examiner. Wisconsin Examiner. https://wisconsinexaminer.com/brief/waushara-county-wildefire-that-covered-830-acres-is-part-of-a-bigger-picture/
[3] Journal, L. R. W. S. (2023, January 17). How regulations kept one solar array offline. Wisconsin State Journal. https://madison.com/news/local/wisconsin-woman-died-inside-burning-suv-that-started-going-crazy-doors-wouldnt-unlock/article_b6ec9bff-c160-5132-bcdf-91ed21766008.html
[4] Bettin, A. (2023, November 29). Western Wisconsin barn fire kills 150+ animals, causes $225K in damage. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/western-wisconsin-barn-fire-kills-150-animals-causes-225k-in-damage/
[5] Adams, A. (2023, June 2). Pregnant Driver Saves Students from Bus Moments Before It Catches Fire: 'Mommy Instincts Kicked In' Peoplemag. https://people.com/pregnant-driver-saves-students-school-bus-moments-before-it-catches-fire-7507841
[6] 3 injured in West Allis apartment fire. (2023, May 31). Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin. https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2023/05/31/west-allis–apartment-fire–injuries
[7] WISN NEWS. (2023, January 29). Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.wisn.com/article/milwaukee-wrestling-team-msoe-bus-catches-fire-rural-wisconsin/42437130#
[8] The children were shouting ‘Mom.’ The 911 dispatcher didn’t realize they meant her. (2023, June 14). NBC10 Philadelphia. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/the-children-were-shouting-mom-the-911-dispatcher-didnt-realize-they-meant-her/3585638/
