At approximately 5 PM Saturday afternoon, the Lincoln County 911 Communications Center dispatched the Merrill Fire Department to a reported machine shed fire at W6580 Glen Drive, just west of the city of Merrill.
According to a press release from the Merrill Fire Department, initial response included Engine 62, Medic 63, and Tender 65. Additional Merrill Fire Department response included Car 60.
Command from Engine 62 requested the assistance of the Town of Pine River Fire Department and the Town of Corning Fire Department to the scene, as well as the Town of Russell Fire Department and Tomahawk EMS to change quarters to the Merrill Fire Station.
Wisconsin Public service was also requested to the scene to disconnect power. Traffic control at the scene of the fire was provided by officers of the Merrill Police Department and deputies of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival of Engine 62, the shift commander assumed command and reported a machine shed had a great volume of light colored smoke coming from the equipment doors on the east side. Command initially ordered on-scene personnel to go into investigative mode to find the fire.
Once the fire was upgraded to attack mode, two pre-connected hose lines from Engine 62 were deployed to quickly bring the fire under control. After the fire was knocked down, the smoke cleared the building and the owner took approximately 40 large hay bales out of the building, for fire fighters to wet down the deep seated embers and hot spots.
All of the fire damage was solely with the hay, and some small equipment were damaged. There was no structural damage to the machine shed.
No injuries were reported to any citizens or first responders. The cause of the fire is undetermined.