The Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department said around 60 firefighters responded to the scene of a fire at VERSO Mill around 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
According to a news release, a hardwood digester caught fire. Wisconsin Rapids Deputy Fire Chief Todd Eckes said fire and heat compromised the stack causing a collapse, which then started subsequent fires in and around the digester tower.
The fire was under control at approximately 9:45 p.m.
One firefighter was treated and released on the scene for symptoms of heat exhaustion. No Verso employees were injured. Damage assessment continues and it appears the fire damage was limited to the stack area in the number 1 digester building. The cause is undetermined at this time. Crews from Port Edwards Fire, Grand Rapids Fire, Biron Fire, Nekoosa Fire, Vesper Fire, Rudolph Fire, and the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and Saratoga First Responders.