FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — Two days after a fire broke out at a Fort Atkinson warehouse, crews are still on scene monitoring the aftermath.
Crews from five different counties initially responded Tuesday to help fight a large fire at a warehouse filled with supplies such as military tires.
In a Facebook post shared Thursday morning, Fort Atkinson fire officials said they’re still working at the scene.
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.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is monitoring the runoff into the sewers and river.
“The DNR will continue to work with the municipality to assess the impacted storm sewers,” the statement reads. “At the time of the incident, the DNR worked with our Emergency Response Zone Contract to begin runoff containment and recovery efforts near the known impacted outfall in the Rock River and will continue to work with applicable parties on assessment and cleanup efforts.”
Authorities said the Environmental Protection Agency has responded to monitor the air for potentially harmful substances. Fire officials have asked the public not to tamper with the air quality measurement devices.
Residents living near the fire were advised to evacuate when it first broke out, but have since been able to return to their homes.
The fire broke out around noon on Tuesday on one of the year’s hottest days. Two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries, and a third underwent surgery for a cut he suffered while fighting the fire. All three are expected to be okay.
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