FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — After more than 96 hours of burning, the Fort Atkinson Fire Department said its operations on a burning warehouse in the city were completed on Saturday.
According to a Facebook post from the department, EPA air monitoring will continue for at least 24 hours, while the DNR water and run-off mitigation will continue for an “undetermined amount of time.”
The fire broke out at a warehouse storing primarily military tires Tuesday afternoon.
Crews from five different counties, totaling more than 150 firefighters, initially responded to the scene at North Main and Oak streets.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries due to the heat on Tuesday afternoon, which was one of the hottest days of the year. A third firefighter underwent surgery for a cut he suffered while fighting the fire. All three are expected to be okay.
A news release on Thursday from the Jefferson County Health Department said the fire has caused excess smoke and “increased particulate matter levels in local air quality.” Area residents who can see or smell smoke are encouraged to remain indoors, particularly anyone with heart or lung conditions.
Residents, businesses and visitors in the area should also keep their windows and doors closed until conditions improve. Officials said levels of particulate matter are moderately elevated in places near the site. As such, N-95 masks should be worn outdoors to reduce exposure as the winds shift from storm activity.
Fire Chief Daryl Rasuch said Wednesday the department plans to let the flames burn out because of pollution runoff into storm sewers and the Rock River, and because the building is already considered a total loss.
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