1 injured, 3 rescued from Wausau apartment fire

Wausau Pilot & Review

Crews with the Wausau Fire Department rescued three people from an apartment fire over the weekend, according to a news release issued Monday.

Fire officials did not give an address for the blaze. Wausau Pilot has reached out for additional information.

The full release follows:

–On Saturday, August 17th, the Wausau Fire Department (WFD) responded to a reported structure fire at a two-story, wood-frame multi-family residence, where the prompt and coordinated efforts of WFD personnel led to the safe rescue of three occupants from the second floor.

At approximately 2:40 p.m., WFD units were dispatched to the scene. The first WFD unit arrived within three minutes, confirming visible smoke. WFD Engine 3 arrived shortly thereafter, reporting a working fire on the second floor.

Engine 3 immediately deployed a handline to the rear of the structure, attacking the visible flames from the exterior. Once the exterior fire was under control, the crew made entry to continue the interior attack.

Shorty after arriving on the scene WFD personnel identified three occupants in a second-floor window. Ladders were swiftly deployed, and all three occupants were safely rescued without injury.

Fire crews continued their aggressive efforts as the fire extended into the attic. A comprehensive overhaul and sustained water application were necessary to fully extinguish the fire.

Occupants of the apartment where the fire originated narrowly escaped, with one resident sustaining minor injuries. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire began in the kitchen of one of the apartments and rapidly spread, blocking the primary exit for neighboring units. The American Red Cross has been contacted to provide assistance to the displaced families.

This is a developing story.