Structure Fire 11/2024
7/2024 Report of Smoke in the Building
Shift 3 responded for a report of smoke in the building. Upon arrival, smoke was found on the 2nd floor coming from a dryer. Burning clothes from a faulty dryer appeared to be the cause.
Structure Fire 6/2024
Garage Fire 5/2024
MVC 3/2024
Camper Fire 3/2024
Structure Fire 2/2024
MVC 2/2024
Chimney Fire 2/2024
Structure Fire 2/2024
Structure Fire 2/2024
MVC 1/2024
Structure Fire 1/2024
Vehicle Accident 12/2023
Vehicle Rollover 12/10/2023
Vehicle Accident 12/2023
Structure Fire 11/2023
MVC 10/2023
Vehicle Accident 9/2023
Building Roof Collapse 4/3/2023
Apartment Fire 3/19/2023
Vehicle Fire 2/28/2023
Taker Roll Over 12/21/2022
Structure Fire 4/29/22
Mutual Aid Structure Fire
Shift 2 responded for a mutual aid structure fire for the Mason Fire Department. March 2022
Ice Angel/Drone Training
Shift 2 training with the Ice Angel and the drone using thermal imaging. 02/07/2022
Structure Fire 213 Main St East 12/06/21
Shift 1 responded to a structure fire at 213 Main St. East. Units from Washburn, Marengo, and Bad River responded for mutual aid. Photos courtesy of Ed Monroe.
Tractor Fire 08/18/21
Structure Fire 1318 6th St. West 07/05/21
Shift 3 responded to a structure fire at 09:33 Monday morning after reports of a fully involved structure fire at 1318 6th St West.
Structure Fire 405 Stuntz Ave. 11/29/20
Structure Fire on Lake Superior 10/10/2020
Structure Fire 6/11/2020
Structure Fire 06/05/2020
Structure Fire 4/18/2020
Structure Fire 2101 Main St. East 12/09/2018
Structure Fire 615 18th Ave West 12/07/2018
Structure Fire 11th Ave West 10/09/2018
Structure Fire 11th Ave East 08/01/2018
Structure Fire Johnson Rd. 07/03/2018
Structure Fire Knight Rd. 02/13/2018
Structure Fire 12/31/2017
Sprinkler System Failure 12/2017
Vehicle Fire 12/2017
Chimney Fire Town of Pilsen 12/27/2017
Fire due to lightning strike. 700 St Claire Street 09/16/2017
Shift 2 responded to 700 St. Claire Street for a structure fire due to a lightning strike Saturday evening. No injuries were reported.
Time of call 1916
On scene 1920
Fire controlled 1925
Clear at 2041
Time of call 1916
On scene 1920
Fire controlled 1925
Clear at 2041
M69 mortar rounds discovered during fire investigation at 407 Stuntz Ave. 4-21-17
Vehicle Fire
Shift 1 responded to a vehicle fire at a local scrap yard on 3/14/2017
Garage Fire
January 7th 2017. The Ashland Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 312 6th St. West. Upon arrival, the garage was fully engulfed. The fire was extinguished with little damage to nearby structures.
Early Morning Rescue
1/04/17--
This morning at 4:56 a.m. we were dispatched, along with Ashland County Sheriff's Bad River Patrol and Ashland Police, to a local Lake Superior access road where a caller reports a car over the embankment. When we arrived, we found a lone occupant had gone over an embankment in their vehicle with an approximate 15 foot drop onto Lake Superior. The lone occupant suffered moderate injuries and reported that it took several hours to find a cell phone so that a call to 9-1-1 could be place. The driver was transported by Ashland Fire Department to Memorial Medical Center in Ashland. Thank you to the Ashland County Deputy and Ashland PD Sergeant for the awesome teamwork, this one was not an easy task this morning!
This morning at 4:56 a.m. we were dispatched, along with Ashland County Sheriff's Bad River Patrol and Ashland Police, to a local Lake Superior access road where a caller reports a car over the embankment. When we arrived, we found a lone occupant had gone over an embankment in their vehicle with an approximate 15 foot drop onto Lake Superior. The lone occupant suffered moderate injuries and reported that it took several hours to find a cell phone so that a call to 9-1-1 could be place. The driver was transported by Ashland Fire Department to Memorial Medical Center in Ashland. Thank you to the Ashland County Deputy and Ashland PD Sergeant for the awesome teamwork, this one was not an easy task this morning!
A house fire was reported at 204 11th Ave. East on 07/15/2016 at 20:45. The fire was soon extinguished with no injuries. Mutual aid was provided from Mason Fire Department and the Washburn Fire Department.
March 2016: A fire was called in at Deltco Plastics in Ashland. The fire was soon extinguished by the first arriving Engine and staff. No injuries were reported on this incident.
December 2015: Shift 2 responded to a fully involved house fire on Bay Front Rd.
On Oct. 31st. 2015, Shift 3 responded to a fully involved fire at the Salem Baptist Church.
Wednesday, January 27th at 3:26 p.m. we were dispatched to a car verses bus accident on St Hwy 13 south of Ashland. A total of 47 patients were transported to Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, with one being serious. Besides the Ashland Fire Department responding were Mason Ambulance, Washburn Ambulance, Marengo Fire Department, and various law enforcement agencies.
.
|
|
Ashland Fire's Tanker 5 paid a visit to the Elementary school on field day. We've been requested for this for the last several years. The kids sure love it!!!
On June 4th, 2014, the Ashland Fire Department took delivery of a 2013 Road Rescue Ambulance. This ambulance will replace our 2007 Med 4.
412 3rd St East
On August 30, 2013 at 7:11 p.m. the Ashland Fire Department was dispatched to a possible home fire at 412 3rd St East. The fire was extinguished in approximately one hour. An investigation revealed the fire to appear unintentional in origin, with the origin appearing in the attic. An electrical cause can not be ruled out at this time. No one was hurt, however two families and several pets were displaced.
A Healthy Baby Girl
On the morning of November 26th the Ashland Fire Department was dispatched to a female patient in labor. Upon arrival the paramedics did confirm that the patient was in labor and began transporting to the hospital. Within minutes of transport it became obvious that the birth was imminent. The paramedics pulled the ambulance over and tended to the patient. A healthy baby girl was born. The department would like to congratulate Firefighter/Paramedics Joe Belany and John Granger on a job well
done.
done.
WITC Career Day
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College held their annual career day for area high school seniors on November 7th. This is an opportunity for area high school seniors to gather information to help them determine possible career choices. Ashland Fire Department staff discussed the different levels of fire training as well as EMS training. They also discussed ways of joining Ashland Fire Department as well as their local volunteer service. Terry Baur from Red Cliff ambulance and Naomi Bratley from Washburn ambulance were also on hand to discuss their volunteer services. After the discussion the students were taken outside where department members demonstrated an auto extrication and patient care.
Certified Driver Operator Aerial
All members of the department have recently completed a 36 hour certified driver operator aerial course. The members have taken a written exam with a hands-on practical exam to follow next month. All members are now fully trained on the use of the new Sutphen aerial. A dedication ceremony for the new aerial will also be held next month.
Retirement
Captain Kevin Tamke, a 23 year veteran of the department, retired on March 30th. Kevin held the position of Fire Captain of Shift III, and held various other positions in his career, which included; Alarm System technician, Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Officer, Paramedic, Dive Team member, and Hazardous Material Technician. Kevin’s accomplishments included; advancement to the EMT Paramedic
level and Fire Captain. Kevin’s appreciation for tradition carried into his sincere passion in maintaining the department’s antiquated alarm system. In addition, Kevin was instrumental in preparing and hanging the Christmas decorations each year. He participated in the Firefighters Annual Toy Drive. Captain Tamke enjoyed working with the members of his shift, and took great pride in his efforts to ensure that everyone went home at the end of the day! He
was a committed member of the Ashland Fire Department, and he will surely be missed!
level and Fire Captain. Kevin’s appreciation for tradition carried into his sincere passion in maintaining the department’s antiquated alarm system. In addition, Kevin was instrumental in preparing and hanging the Christmas decorations each year. He participated in the Firefighters Annual Toy Drive. Captain Tamke enjoyed working with the members of his shift, and took great pride in his efforts to ensure that everyone went home at the end of the day! He
was a committed member of the Ashland Fire Department, and he will surely be missed!
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Marko announced his retirement date of April 25th. Brian is a 21 year veteran of the department and held the position of Firefighter/Paramedic/Alarm Technician/Hazardous Material Technician. Brian was a very active member of the department’s Honor Guard and Dive Rescue/Recovery Team. Brian took great pride in maintaining all the flags throughout the City of Ashland. He was instrumental in preparing the Christmas Stars and the lights. In addition, Brian solicited local businesses for advertisement spots for an annual AFD Calendar to fund scholarships for local area high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the Fire, EMS or medical services. Brian committed several hundred off-duty hours to the Ashland Firefighters Annual Toy Drive every year. Brian’s commitment to the department and to the City of Ashland was unsurpassed!
Ice Rescue
The Ashland Fire Dept. responded to two non-related ice rescue calls today, March 10th 2012.
We received the first call at 1105 hrs for a male involved in a snowmobile accident. The male struck a pressure ridge and had
injuries. Pt was located approx. 700 yards off shore north/northeast of Maslowski Beach. Ashland Fire responded with an Engine, Med Rig and Brush Rig/Ice Angel. The Ice Angel was deployed at Maslowski Beach and the patient was located and treated.
He was transported to shore by the Ice Angel and then to Memorial Medical Center. We are not releasing his name or injuries.
The second ice rescue call was received at 1323 hours today, March 10th 2012. Ashland Fire was dispatched to Pamida Beach for male who collapsed on the ice, approx. 1 mile off shore, north/northwest of Pamida. Ashland Fire responded with an Engine, Med Rig and our ATV/Rescue sled. Enroute to the scene we were told the person was not breathing, did not have a pulse and CPR was in progress. Ashland Fire responded with the ATV/Rescue sled to the pt.-we are not releasing any medical information about the patient or his name.
We received the first call at 1105 hrs for a male involved in a snowmobile accident. The male struck a pressure ridge and had
injuries. Pt was located approx. 700 yards off shore north/northeast of Maslowski Beach. Ashland Fire responded with an Engine, Med Rig and Brush Rig/Ice Angel. The Ice Angel was deployed at Maslowski Beach and the patient was located and treated.
He was transported to shore by the Ice Angel and then to Memorial Medical Center. We are not releasing his name or injuries.
The second ice rescue call was received at 1323 hours today, March 10th 2012. Ashland Fire was dispatched to Pamida Beach for male who collapsed on the ice, approx. 1 mile off shore, north/northwest of Pamida. Ashland Fire responded with an Engine, Med Rig and our ATV/Rescue sled. Enroute to the scene we were told the person was not breathing, did not have a pulse and CPR was in progress. Ashland Fire responded with the ATV/Rescue sled to the pt.-we are not releasing any medical information about the patient or his name.
223 7th Ave East
The Ashland Fire Dept. responded to a structure fire at 223 7th Ave E in the City of Ashland at 1759 hours 02-29-2012. Fire was reported by on duty FF Tim Ciembronowicz who saw smoke coming from the house. AFD responded with an engine, tower ladder and med rig and 5 personnel initially. Callback of off duty personnel was initiated. AFD was on scene within 3 minutes and found an attic fire. Fire was quickly extinguished with a single 1 ¾” pre-connected line. One dog and one cat were rescued from
the structure. Structure was an apartment with one apartment upstairs and one down. 4 people have been displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries. The scene was terminated at 2017 Hrs. Cause remains under investigation. Damage estimates are approx.. $10,000.
the structure. Structure was an apartment with one apartment upstairs and one down. 4 people have been displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries. The scene was terminated at 2017 Hrs. Cause remains under investigation. Damage estimates are approx.. $10,000.
Fire & EMS Calendar
2012 marks the third anniversary of the Ashland Fire Department’s annual fire and EMS calendar. Each year numerous businesses in the area purchase advertising space on the calendars. Those businesses then receive the calendars to be handed out to customers free of charge. All money received through the advertising space will be divided between two $1200.00
scholarships. These scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be going to school for fire and EMS related classes. The awarding of the scholarships will be in May. Students are able to apply directly through the school with the awardees being chosen by the high school staff. The department would like to thank Brian Marko for an outstanding job of spearheading the
calendar program the last three years.
scholarships. These scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be going to school for fire and EMS related classes. The awarding of the scholarships will be in May. Students are able to apply directly through the school with the awardees being chosen by the high school staff. The department would like to thank Brian Marko for an outstanding job of spearheading the
calendar program the last three years.
2011 Sutphen SPH 100
Tower 11 has arrived. On Monday November 14th 2011 Tower 11 arrived at the Ellis Fire Station. Tower 11 is now a 2011 Sutphen SPH 100. On Tuesday November 15th training on the new truck began at 8:00 A.M. Training includes a detailed walkthrough of all the cab components to include vehicle and pump operations. Training then moved to the outside of the vehicle in the form of a vehicle walk around. Once the walk around was finished the vehicle was brought outside to begin training on the ladder and pump
operations. All members were able to pump as well as operate both master stream devices located on the platform. Members then were able to drive the vehicle following a route through town. The first day of training included the six department pump operators as well as the department lieutenants. The following three days of training will cover the three different shifts. All pump
operators and lieutenants will be involved in training on their respective shifts as well. This will provide the pump operators extra training on the vehicle. A wet down ceremony is scheduled for early December. The department would like to thank all committee members as well as the city council. This vehicle will be an incredible asset to our community for many years to come.
operations. All members were able to pump as well as operate both master stream devices located on the platform. Members then were able to drive the vehicle following a route through town. The first day of training included the six department pump operators as well as the department lieutenants. The following three days of training will cover the three different shifts. All pump
operators and lieutenants will be involved in training on their respective shifts as well. This will provide the pump operators extra training on the vehicle. A wet down ceremony is scheduled for early December. The department would like to thank all committee members as well as the city council. This vehicle will be an incredible asset to our community for many years to come.
Tower 11 Update
During the week of November 1st five members of the department’s tower committee were flown, courtesy of the Sutphen Corporation, to Columbus Ohio. The trip served as a final inspection on the truck before it leaves the factory. The department members were able to tour the factory where they saw several different trucks in different stages of completion. At the time the members were there, Tower 11 had a little over 1500 hours of work in to building it. Tower 11 should be finished sometime this week. It will then make the journey to Chicago where it will be fitted with a radio as well as other miscellaneous equipment. The Ashland Fire Department anticipates a delivery sometime in the next two weeks. Once the truck arrives a Sutphen employee will be on hand to train the department for four days. The committee members were able to meet this individual at the factory and look forward to working with him during the training sessions. Please check back often, as Tower 11 will be posted to the website upon its arrival.
Tower 11
Tower 11 is a 1980 Sutphen 100’ Aerial Platform. This vehicle was purchased used from Southwest Adams County in Colorado in 1996. Tower 11 has faithfully served the City of Ashland for over 15 years. On August 29th 2011 Emergency Apparatus maintenance (EAM) performed the annual inspection of Tower 11. EAM found 21 areas of deficiencies and safety concerns. The major concern consisted of failing structural components of the cab. Over the past several years AFD, along with the city garage maintenance crew and R’s auto body, a local body shop, have gone above and beyond to keep this vehicle in service well
past it’s expected useful service life.
Due to the numerous safety concerns, Chief Chenier chose to pull the truck from service. At that time a committee was formed to evaluate all options to facilitate the city having a usable ladder truck. The options included repair of the current truck, buying a used truck, or buying a new/stock/demo truck. The committee spent many hours evaluating all possibilities. Due to the truck already being 31 years old and parts becoming next to impossible to find, repairing the current truck was deemed not an
option. The department was limited in finding a used truck due to severe limitations caused by the current station. It was determined that a rear-mount platform was not an option due to the size of the overhead doors. Rear mount trucks are simply too tall. With the elimination of rear mount trucks that limited the department to a mid-mount platform. After searching the used markets it was determined that a used mid-mount was also not an option. Due to the current economic climate fire departments are keeping their trucks for longer periods of time. The committee was not able to find a suitable truck that was less than 15 years old.
After careful consideration the committee members chose to recommend a new or stock unit. Stock units are trucks that companies build that are not special ordered. This gives the department an opportunity to save a large amount off the cost of a special ordered truck. The committee chose a new or stock for numerous reasons. With a new or stock truck the department can
expect an approximately 30 year life span of the truck. The truck also comes with a vehicle warranty not offered by buying a used truck. Over the past several months the department contacted several ladder truck manufacturers to schedule demos of the new trucks. The department would like to thank Sutphen, Rosenbauer, and Crimson for bringing their trucks for demo.
The chief and committee members chose the Sutphen truck for several reasons. One main factor was the weight of the trucks. The Sutphen truck was the only truck to offer an aluminum ladder. This is a weight savings of approximately 15,000 pounds. Due to the spring thaw and conditions of the station apron the weight savings was a large factor in the decision. Once the decision was made the committee along with Chief Chenier then presented all the information to the city council. On September 15th 2011 the Ashland City Council voted to send a letter of intent to the Sutphen Corporation placing one of their stock units on hold while financing options were explored. On October 11th 2011 The city council was presented with several financing options by Baird and Associates. By a vote of 8-2 the Ashland City Council approved the purchase and financing of a 2011 Sutphen 100’ Aerial Platform utilizing a ten year bond. The truck is estimated to be delivered no later than November 15th 2011.
The Fire Department would like to thank the committee members, Scott Thimm, David Wegener, Christopher Pribek, Andrew Beck, and Joseph Belenay for all their hard work and dedication to this project. The committee members did in three months what departments usually take over a year to accomplish. The department would also like to thank Ed Orolin from interstate emergency vehicles, and Drew Sutphen from the Sutphen Corporation. Mr. Orolin has been instrumental in the process of purchasing this vehicle. He has gone above and beyond to assist the committee members through this process. Mr. Sutphen
understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to extend the hold period while the city council could gather the needed information. The department would like to thank the city council for their willingness to approve such a large purchase. The department looks forward to delivery and training on the new truck. Please check back on the website as pictures and more info will follow once the truck is delivered.
past it’s expected useful service life.
Due to the numerous safety concerns, Chief Chenier chose to pull the truck from service. At that time a committee was formed to evaluate all options to facilitate the city having a usable ladder truck. The options included repair of the current truck, buying a used truck, or buying a new/stock/demo truck. The committee spent many hours evaluating all possibilities. Due to the truck already being 31 years old and parts becoming next to impossible to find, repairing the current truck was deemed not an
option. The department was limited in finding a used truck due to severe limitations caused by the current station. It was determined that a rear-mount platform was not an option due to the size of the overhead doors. Rear mount trucks are simply too tall. With the elimination of rear mount trucks that limited the department to a mid-mount platform. After searching the used markets it was determined that a used mid-mount was also not an option. Due to the current economic climate fire departments are keeping their trucks for longer periods of time. The committee was not able to find a suitable truck that was less than 15 years old.
After careful consideration the committee members chose to recommend a new or stock unit. Stock units are trucks that companies build that are not special ordered. This gives the department an opportunity to save a large amount off the cost of a special ordered truck. The committee chose a new or stock for numerous reasons. With a new or stock truck the department can
expect an approximately 30 year life span of the truck. The truck also comes with a vehicle warranty not offered by buying a used truck. Over the past several months the department contacted several ladder truck manufacturers to schedule demos of the new trucks. The department would like to thank Sutphen, Rosenbauer, and Crimson for bringing their trucks for demo.
The chief and committee members chose the Sutphen truck for several reasons. One main factor was the weight of the trucks. The Sutphen truck was the only truck to offer an aluminum ladder. This is a weight savings of approximately 15,000 pounds. Due to the spring thaw and conditions of the station apron the weight savings was a large factor in the decision. Once the decision was made the committee along with Chief Chenier then presented all the information to the city council. On September 15th 2011 the Ashland City Council voted to send a letter of intent to the Sutphen Corporation placing one of their stock units on hold while financing options were explored. On October 11th 2011 The city council was presented with several financing options by Baird and Associates. By a vote of 8-2 the Ashland City Council approved the purchase and financing of a 2011 Sutphen 100’ Aerial Platform utilizing a ten year bond. The truck is estimated to be delivered no later than November 15th 2011.
The Fire Department would like to thank the committee members, Scott Thimm, David Wegener, Christopher Pribek, Andrew Beck, and Joseph Belenay for all their hard work and dedication to this project. The committee members did in three months what departments usually take over a year to accomplish. The department would also like to thank Ed Orolin from interstate emergency vehicles, and Drew Sutphen from the Sutphen Corporation. Mr. Orolin has been instrumental in the process of purchasing this vehicle. He has gone above and beyond to assist the committee members through this process. Mr. Sutphen
understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to extend the hold period while the city council could gather the needed information. The department would like to thank the city council for their willingness to approve such a large purchase. The department looks forward to delivery and training on the new truck. Please check back on the website as pictures and more info will follow once the truck is delivered.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant
The Ashland Fire Dept. has been notified we are the recipient of a 2010 Assistance to Fire Fighter’s Grant. AFD applied for the grant in 2010. AFD will be awarded $129,912.00 with a 5% match of $6,838.00 for a total of $136,750.00. The grant will be used to replace all five of our aging cardiac monitor/defibrillators. These cardiac monitor/defibrillators monitor a patient’s heart rate along with defibrillation ( shocking of the heart), oxygen monitoring, carbon dioxide monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and will have the capability to transmit a 12 lead EKG through cellular phone. This upgrade will greatly enhance our ability to deliver the best possible patient care.
AFD members have evaluated three different monitors. After several weeks testing each monitor the department members elected to purchase LifePak 15 monitors from Physio Control. On October 11th, 12th, and 13th a representative from Physio Control spent several hours training each shift on the new monitors. The monitors have now been placed in service.
AFD members have evaluated three different monitors. After several weeks testing each monitor the department members elected to purchase LifePak 15 monitors from Physio Control. On October 11th, 12th, and 13th a representative from Physio Control spent several hours training each shift on the new monitors. The monitors have now been placed in service.
Kurt Blakeman
The department would like to recognize one of our POC members, Kurt Blakeman. On July 4th a 2 year old girl was found in the water unresponsive and not breathing. Kurt was at the beach with his family and immediately assisted by removing the girl from the water and starting CPR. He was able to resuscitate the child, and when the AFD Paramedics arrived on scene, the child was beginning to breathe on her own. AFD paramedics treated and transported the child to MMC. She was later transported to a Duluth hospital and released the next day without permanent injuries. Kurt's quick actions and training saved the life of this young child.
9/11
On September 11th 2011 The Ashland Fire Department hosted a ceremony to honor the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The Fire Department would like to thank the American Legion Posts 86 and 90, the Ashland VFW Post 690, and the Ashland Army National Guard post 2-829th Engineer Company for helping to make the ceremony possible. Also thank you to all who observed the event. May our sense of pride in our community, our country, and in each other never fade. Although we have vastly different stories about that day, one thing we do have in common is our love of this country. For that is what makes us America.
City Survey
The City of Ashland recently sent out a citizen survey. After gathering the results the city’s planning department has published the findings. The Ashland Fire Department had very good reviews from the public, with approximately 71% of all respondents rating the department at good, or very good. Only 1.6% of the respondents were in favor of reducing the fire department size.
Multiple Fires
The Ashland Fire Department has responded to several fires over the previous two weeks. On July 25th a garage fire was reported at 102 12th Avenue East. Firefighters we able to contain the fire to the garage only. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Also on the same day the department responded to a garage fire in the township of Eileen. The call was initially for a garage fire. Crews arriving on scene determined that the fire was located inside a boat which was inside the garage.
On July 28th the department responded for a fully involved car fire with a structure near by. All residents of the home were evacuated and no injuries occurred. The investigation determined that the cause of the fire was arson. The Ashland Police Department was able to identify the individual responsible. The individual was arrested later the same day.
A second car fire was reported on August 5th. This vehicle was also near a structure. All occupants were able to evacuate without injury. This fire is currently under investigation.
On August 16th at approximately 1:00 A.M. Mason Fire Department requested mutual aid for a barn fire. The Ashland Fire Department responded with a tanker and engine. Ashland Fire personnel remained on scene for several hours assisting Mason Fire with extinguishing the fire.
On July 28th the department responded for a fully involved car fire with a structure near by. All residents of the home were evacuated and no injuries occurred. The investigation determined that the cause of the fire was arson. The Ashland Police Department was able to identify the individual responsible. The individual was arrested later the same day.
A second car fire was reported on August 5th. This vehicle was also near a structure. All occupants were able to evacuate without injury. This fire is currently under investigation.
On August 16th at approximately 1:00 A.M. Mason Fire Department requested mutual aid for a barn fire. The Ashland Fire Department responded with a tanker and engine. Ashland Fire personnel remained on scene for several hours assisting Mason Fire with extinguishing the fire.
Med-2
The department recently took delivery of a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The vehicle was purchased from VonHolzen’s Chevrolet in Ashland. Everest Emergency Vehicles of St. Paul Minnesota installed the emergency lighting, siren, and radio. Med-2 will be utilized as the department’s paramedic intercept vehicle as well as a tow vehicle for the ATV and snowmobile.
Xcel energy
The Ashland Fire Department responded on July 7th for a wood chip pile on fire at the Xcel energy plant. Crews arriving on scene reported medium to heavy grey smoke coming from the wood chipper. A full call back of all off duty staff was requested. Mutual aid was requested from Washburn for an engine and tanker as well as Mason for tanker support. Crews were able to extinguish the fire before spreading to the adjacent buildings. One firefighter was treated on scene for exhaustion.
3311 City Heights Rd
On Friday July 1st at approximately 2045hrs the Ashland Fire Department responded to a structure fire located on City Heights rd. The initial dispatch was for a transformer that had been struck by lightning and was on fire. While responding the department was notified that a structure was now involved in the fire. Crews arriving on scene reported heavy fire and smoke on the delta side of the structure. The lightning strike caused the gas meter to explode. The escaping gas then caught fire causing the structure to burn. Crews used a heavy blanket of foam to knock down the fire. A full callback of all off duty staff was conducted. Mutual aid from Washburn and Mason was also requested for man power and tanker support.
113 14th Avenue East
The Ashland Fire Dept. was dispatched for a fully involved garage fire @ 0413hrs. 06-26-2011 located at 113 14th Ave E. in the City of Ashland. Dispatch reported there was a vehicle located inside the garage. AFD responded with an engine, tanker and ambulance. AFD was on scene at 0417 hrs. There was an initial request of 5 off duty personnel to be called back which units arriving on scene increased to callback of all off duty personnel due to the extension of the fire. Upon arrival to the scene, Incident Commander Lt. Tom Walters reported a fully involved garage with multiple exposures, including two houses and another garage. A water source was secured from at hydrant at 14th Ave E and Main St. Hose lines were deployed and the fire was cut off prior to igniting the adjacent houses. An adjacent garage ignited but was quickly extinguished minimizing damage. Each of the houses suffered some minor damage including melted siding. There were no injuries. The garage at 113 14th Ave E was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. AFD remained on scene until 0700 hrs. Damage estimates for the two garages and two houses is $35,000.
Ice Rescue
The Ashland Fire Dept. (AFD) was requested by the Iron Co. Sheriff’s Dept. Jan 22nd at 1250 hours for Mutual Aid for the Ice Angel. There was a report of several people who had been ice fishing and chunks of ice broke off and began to float out of the harbor. There were reports of 50+ people ice fishing when the wind increased to 30 mph out of the NE and caused the ice to break up. All but two people were able to get off the ice despite leaving 3 wheelers, snowmobiles, ice shacks and fishing equipment behind. AFD responded with our Brush Truck & Ice Angel, Paramedic ambulance, and four rescue members led by Lt. Tom Walters to the SaxonHarbor. Other AFD members include pilot Tim Ciembronowicz, and swimmers Jon Paulson and Rayne Edinger. The Ice Angel arrived on scene and deployed into the harbor with a known two people still on ice flows in need of rescue. AFD Ice Angel was met by near white out conditions, stiff NE winds at 30 mph, and water/pack ice chunk/ swells of 8-12 feet. Rescuers on shore reported they were not able to maintain visual contact with the Ice Angel during the rescue due to the large swells. The Ice Angel responded ¼ to ½ mile off shore and rescued one male on a 4 foot diameter ice chunk, then responded approx. 100 yards away and rescued another male. One victim was from Saxon and the other was from Hurley. The names of the victims are not being released by AFD at this time; they were, however, unharmed and dry. Both victims were transported to shore and evaluated by the Beacon Amb. Lt. Walters was quoted: “if it had not been for the Ice Angel and personnel on board, those guys would have died…there was not other means to safely rescue them. Those were the worst conditions I have ever been in for an ice rescue."
Senator Bob Jauch and Assembly Woman Janet Bewley recently traveled to Ashland to honor the members involved in the rescue. The members were presented with citations from the State of Wisconsin recognizing their heroism in the line of duty.
Duluth News Tribune article
Senator Bob Jauch and Assembly Woman Janet Bewley recently traveled to Ashland to honor the members involved in the rescue. The members were presented with citations from the State of Wisconsin recognizing their heroism in the line of duty.
Duluth News Tribune article
