VIDEO: More than 120 firefighters responded to a massive fire at the former Whiting Paper Mill in Menasha.
Crews were called to the scene at 100 River Street at 7:29 p.m. Sunday. Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue called in mutual aid and 123 firefighters responded to help at the scene and respond to other calls for service in the area.
The fire is contained, but crews will continue to work Monday on making sure it is fully extinguished. There are no reports of injuries. “Another great loss to Menasha history, the Whiting Mill is up in flames,” said Menasha Mayor Don Merkes in a statement on Facebook. Firefighters are asking people to avoid the area for “safety purposes.” The cause of the fire is under investigation. Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue says the investigation will likely take several days. The mill shut down in 2016.
In 1888, sixteen men were killed in an explosion and fire at the mill.
In 2018, fire engulfed the historic Brin building in Menasha. The cause of that fire was determined to be electrical in nature.