Four businesses have been destroyed and a fifth is damaged following a fire on Willow Lake’s main street. Willow Lake Fire Chief Shane Ladwig got the call early Tuesday morning……..
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/LADWIG1.mp3|titles=LADWIG1]The fire started in the Willow Lake Locker, just across the street from the fire station, and then began working its way north, affecting several other businesses that had separate entrances, but adjoining walls. The locker is gone. Also destroyed were a book-keeping business, a hair salon and a car wash. A fifth business—which was home to a construction company—sustained damage. Ladwig says there’s not much left….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/LADWIG2.mp3|titles=LADWIG2]Ladwig says they’re grateful for the mutual aid from four neighboring fire departments…..
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/LADWIG3.mp3|titles=LADWIG3]Farmers were ready to help too….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/LADWIG4.mp3|titles=LADWIG4]But at the same time, the fire is a devastating blow for a small town….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/LADWIG5.mp3|titles=LADWIG5]Preliminary indications are that the fire may have started when a tree fell on a power line. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are looking into the cause of the fire. There were no injuries.
(courtesy KWAT Watertown)