Additional details on the fire that took place at Heinold & Feller in LaCrosse has been made available.
According to an announcement from the Lacrosse Volunteer Fire Department (LCVFD): On Thursday, July 10th, several LCVFD personnel were on station preparing for an IVFA District meeting. A citizen came into the fire station to advise us that a small cigarette bucket near an exterior wall at Heinold & Feller, located at 16 South Washington Street in LaCrosse, was on fire. Heinold & Feller is directly to the north of the LCVFD station, and the two businesses are separated by a mere 100 feet. There was no 911 call prior to our arrival, and there was no smoke, fire, or any evidence that the building was burning from within.
Upon arrival within seconds of that citizens report, Tanker 1056, a Chief, and several firefighters confirmed that a small bucket had been on fire. This fire was subsequently extinguished. LaPorte County 911 (dispatch) was notified of a commercial fire at the above address, and that the fire was struck, and that no additional units were needed. Crews called for a keyholder, and started to check for extension. Less than a minute after extinguishing the small exterior fire, the westernmost bay’s roof collapsed, ventilating heavy fire and smoke conditions throughout the entire shop.
Dispatch was immediately notified of the working commercial fire. Additional resources were requested to the scene, totaling in all 13 fire departments, Hazmat, EMA, IDEM, Red Cross, etc. Crews went to work extinguishing the blaze, but the business could not be saved.
The LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department added: “Our department is grateful for the neighboring fire agencies and firefighters that responded in the heat. We’d like to recognize the incredible work of the LaPorte County 911 dispatchers as well. We’d also like to thank the numerous civilians for the food and drinks provided. We are devastated for Joe Feller and his LaCrosse employees whom we have a great relationship with. Our hope is that through the ashes, they can rebuild, and continue to provide our small town a great business.”
According to the announcement, the State Fire Marshalls’ office later conducted a investigation into the blaze and at this time the cause is undetermined.
