Families escape fire at historic Oconto Falls building

  • Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay
  • Published: 08/25/2016 12:05 AM

VIDEO: Crews have a fire at 121-year-old building in downtown Oconto Falls under control this morning. Firefighters responded to the Caldwell House on Main St. late Wednesday night. Overnight, flames could be seen shooting through the roof of the building. Firefighters say the blaze started in the attic and spread quickly while crews worked to evacuate the second floor apartments. There are no reports of injuries. “By the time we got halfway through the building, the fire started coming down on us already, so we had to quit. Good thing was that everyone did get out of the building, as far as we know everyone got out,” said Chief Tim Magnin, Oconto Falls Fire Department. Magnin said several families living in the apartments have been displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross was called to provide assistance. The flames were contained to the attic area, but Magnin says it is likely there is smoke and flame damage throughout the building. Firefighters had to call neighboring departments to haul water to the scene because the Oconto Falls water tower is being repaired. The age of the building presented a challenge for the firefighters. There are no “fire stops” in the walls, allowing flames to spread quickly. The Wisconsin Historical Society notes Caldwell House was built in 1895 as a hotel.



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