DCFR Around Wisconsin September 2008

	Fire hits Brown Deer apartments BROWN DEER -- Firefighters from several agencies are responding to a blaze at a Brown Deer apartment complex.
	Fire chief’s treatment continues HOLMEN — After spending the weekend at home, Holmen Area Fire Chief Doug Schober was back at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison on Monday for treatment from burns suffered when an oxygen tank exploded at the fire station Thursday.
	Apartment Fire Displaces 7 Families Barron -- Seven families are forced to find somewhere to stay after an apartment fire.
	Firefighters: Risks part of job WAUSAU -- You might say safety is an understandable obsession among firefighters, given the lives and property they've seen lost.
	Hazmat Crews To Children's Hospital WAUWATOSA – Fire crews were sent to Children’s Hospital to check out a suspicious package.
	French Island House Fire FRENCH ISLAND -- A house fire on French Island displaces a family today and damages their home. The fire was first reported just before five Friday afternoon at 1735 Caroline Street. According to a woman living at the home, everybody did make it out safe.
	Boy Killed When Tractor, Trailer Overturn TOWNSHIP OF AZTALAN -- A 14-year-old boy was killed in Jefferson County when the tractor and trailer he was operating overturned on a rural road.
	Duplex fire MILWAUKEE - Police are investigating a suspicious fire that started on the city's north side early Monday morning.
	Firefighters Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness BROWN COUNTY -- Firefighters in Brown County work to save lives from emergency and fire everyday, but today they're raising money to help prevent lives from being lost to cancer.
	Wausau provides cost-effective fire protection, report says WAUSAU -- The Wausau Fire Department served individuals living in the city with more staff members per person at a lesser cost than most other full-time fire departments in Wisconsin in 2006, according to a recent study.
	Milwaukee firefighters rescued Girl From Burning House MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee firefighters rescued a 4-year-old girl from the second floor of a burning house in the 2200 block of W. Middlemass St. Sunday afternoon, Battalion 4 Chief Joe Robak said. The girl was taken to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa to be treated for smoke inhalation, he said. Fox 6 \| WISN
	Fire departments rely on volunteers to fight rising costs Wisconsin's thousands of volunteer firefighters have kept the per capita spending on fire service below the national average, but it has risen more than 20 percent since 2001.
	Lake search in Washington Co. WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Recover efforts are underway on the northwest side of Friess Lake. Authorities say that they're going to resume searching for a 27-year-old Milwaukee man who is still believed to be still in the lake at daylight. WISN \| TMJ4
	One person dead after one-vehicle crash in Adams County ADAM COUNTY -- Adams County authorities are investigating a one-vehicle crash that left one person dead. Authorities were called to the 900 block of County Highway J at about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday.
	La Crosse firefighters win team competition LA CROSSE -- The La Crosse Fire Department is state champ again. Four members of the department finished first for state teams at the Midwest Regional Combat Challenge in Milwaukee on September 13. 16 teams with 121 firefighters battled for the best times for entry, rescue, and fire hose skills.
	Basement Damaged in House Fire EAU CLAIRE -- Fire crews responding to a house on fire find a heavily damaged basement. Mark Briski with Township Fire says they were called to the 6000-block of Cameron Street outside Eau Claire.
	Bloomer Ambulance Receives Digital Radio From Luther Midelfort Chippewa Valley BLOOMER -- A universal digital radio was provided to the Bloomer Ambulance Service that was purchased through a grant that Luther Midelfort Chippewa Valley received.
	Firefighters hit the links STEVENS POINT -- Firefighters from throughout the state put down the hose and picked up a golf club. They hit the course to raise money for charity.
	Helium leak at SMC spurs fire department response SHAWNO -- Helium venting from the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit at Shawano Medical Center (SMC) prompted a response from the Shawano Fire Department and city and county law enforcement.
	Waupun man in burn center following gas can explosion WAUPUN — A 19-year-old Waupun man sustained burns to his face and chest following the explosion of a gas can Sunday at a bonfire outside a Park Street home.
	Rock County crash sends two to hospital TOWN OF PORTER -- Two vehicle collided on Wisconsin 59 in Rock County Thursday morning, sending two people to hospitals with injuries that weren't life threatening, the Rock County Sheriff's Office reported.
	Firefighter injured when oxygen tank explodes HOLMEN -- A firefighter is burned when an oxygen tank explodes at the Holmen Fire Department. Fire officials say the firefighter was filling the tank when there was a spark and it exploded early Thursday. La Crosse Tribune \| WEAU
	Thirteen apply to replace chief MENOMONEE FALLS -- The Menomonee Falls Police and Fire Commission will sort through 13 applications as it begins the process to replace retiring Fire Chief Bob Coon.
	Head-on truck-car crash kills man, 86 TOWN OF SEYMOUR -- An 86-year-old Eau Claire man was killed Tuesday morning after a head-on collision in the town of Seymour.
	Fire highlights dangers TOWN OF TEXAS -- Warm, dry and windy weather this week could increase the wildfire danger. A town of Texas woman learned that the hard way Tuesday afternoon. She was burning brush at 8981 County Line Road when the fire quickly spread out of control, said Mike Sohasky, a Department of Natural Resources warden in Merrill. Firefighters from the town of Texas, Hewitt and Pine River extinguished the blaze after it burned a chicken coop and nearly an acre and a half of grass, Sohasky said.
	Firefighters win trip to Playboy Mansion WAUWATOSA -- They fight fires, respond to accidents and save lives. And, when necessary, they strike a pretty darn good Captain Morgan pose. WITI
	Fire station bids come in over budget NEW BERLIN -- With bids on a new fire station for New Berlin coming in $221,000 over budget, city aldermen decided Tuesday to defer awarding those bids until Oct. 14.
	Ambulance fees to help Lisbon budget - Fire Department averts layoff Lisbon - Town officials are hoping additional ambulance fee revenue in 2009 will help the Fire Department avert a layoff and pay for 3-percent salary increases for full-time, part-time and paid-on-call firefighters.
	Lisbon firefighters to hold benefit for one of their own Town of Lisbon - Volunteer firefighters are organizing a benefit Oct. 11 for one of their comrades who was seriously injured during a softball game.
	Woman Saves Children From Burning Home MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee firefighters battled a two-alarm fire near 18th and Locust streets Tuesday afternoon. WDJT
	Fire reported near Randolph may be arson TOWN OF WESTFORD — A fire that destroyed a vacant house Tuesday night in the town of Westford is being labeled suspicious.
	House Fire Blamed on Pool Heater GREENLEAF -- The Greenleaf fire chief says it was a pool heater that sparked the massive house fire in the Town of Rockland on Sunday.
	Study: Fire station out of date MILTON -- Lynda Clark has believed for a long time that the Milton Joint Fire Department needs a new station. Now that a professional study has confirmed her opinion, she hopes the rest of Milton believes it, too.
	Hamilton board OKs fire levy referendum HAMILTON -- The Hamilton Town Board voted unanimously Wednesday to put a referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot seeking a 21 percent town levy increase, with most going to the West Salem Fire Protection District.
	Council looks at possible increase in ambulance service OSHKOSH -- The Oshkosh Common Council will decide Tuesday night whether to increase fees for ambulance service. The proposed rate change is expected to bring in an additional $207,505 in revenue to help offset the cost of running the city's ambulance services and to pay for costs not covered by Medicare and Medicaid claims, said chief Tim Franz, Oshkosh Fire Department.
	Car suspected as fire's cause GREENFIELD -- Fire investigators believe a recent house fire started in or near the car parked in the garage. The Sept. 10 fire in the 4200 block of South 104th Street destroyed the car and attached garage before moving into the house.
	Wood Stove Starts Structure Fire BLACK RIVER FALLS -- The Black River Falls Fire Department was paged and responded to a structure fire at 10:48 p.m. on Friday. The address of the fire was W12974 East Pine Creek Road, in the Township of Albion, Jackson County.
	Landfill Fire in Superior Extinguished SUPERIOR -- Superior fire crews were busy this afternoon trying to extinguish a large fire at the Kimmes Landfill. Reports of the fire came in around 3:30 and just over a dozen firefighters responded to the blaze.
	Fire Breaks Out At Greenfield Apartment Complex MILWAUKEE -- A fire broke out at an apartment building in Greenfield Friday afternoon. Both the Hales Corners and Greenfield Fire Departments responded to the call.
	Fire study results presented RIVER FALLS -- Cedar Corporation submitted last week a draft report of its findings from a study of River Falls’ fire-response area. It will present its findings and recommendations 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the City Council meeting and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the River Falls Public Library.
	Amberg Fire Fighters Urge Public To Attend Special Town Meeting AMBERG -- Amberg Town Board has scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Amberg Community Center. Some members of the fire department, speaking on behalf of the entire department, have expressed belief that the town board wants to fire their elected fire chief, David Grube and replace him with someone who is not currently a member of the department.
	Sturtevant-Mount Pleasant fire merger still on track STURTEVANT — Attorneys are reviewing a proposed final draft for the agreement that would allow the merging of the Sturtevant and Mount Pleasant fire departments.
	Firefighters battle rash of arson fires RACINE — South-side arson fires kept firefighters here running to a series of fires for most of the early hours of Sunday.
	UPDATE: Family escapes from Marquette Street house fire RACINE — Firefighters battled and eventually extinguished a midday house fire at 1017 Marquette St. Sunday.
	Janesville man dies in skydiving accident EAST TROY — A Janesville businessman and popular skydiving coach died Saturday when his parachute failed to deploy during a dive with Sky Knights Sport Parachute Club, Walworth County Coroner John Griebel said. The Journal Times
	Barre won’t seek levy hike for fire district WEST SALEM -- While voters in West Salem and Hamilton face a tax-levy referendum for the West Salem Fire Protection District come Election Day, those in Barre are going to sit this one out.
	Fire Destroys Hay Barn At Hilger Farms BLOOMER -- A fire Thursday at Hilger Farms east of Bloomer destroyed a 100′ hay barn filled with approximately 700–800 large square bails. Fire Chief Brian Bleskacek said he believed the fire started from spontaneous combustion. New Auburn, Eagle Point and Tilden all provided one water tanker.
	Authorities respond to house fire TOWN OF PORT EDWARDS — South Wood County authorities are on the scene of a house fire at 170 Nessa Lane. Photos
	Sheboygan man hurt in rollover crash SHEBOYGAN -- A 29-year-old Sheboygan man was hospitalized over the weekend after police say he crashed into a parked car and rolled over his vehicle.
	Three hurt in Town of Mosel crash TOWN OF MOSEL -- One man was hospitalized and two others suffered minor injuries after a Plymouth man unfamiliar with the area turned too late onto a roadway his friends said was a shortcut, according to the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department
	Woman Escapes House Fire EAU CLAIRE -- No one was hurt in a house fire in Eau Claire Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters responded to this house on Germania street around 12:30 p.m.
	Weston names new fire chief WESTON — The village has filled its vacant fire chief position from within. Steve Meilahn, a 22-year member of the Weston Fire Department and a detective sergeant with the Everest Metro Police Department, will become full-time fire chief Oct. 13, according to a village press release.
	Calumet County train collision slices car in half TOWN OF WOODVILLE — A 19-year-old Chilton man is lucky to be alive after his car collided with a moving train and was dragged about 800 feet and cut in half on Thursday morning.
	2 dead in helicopter crash in southeast Wisconsin KENOSHA -- A helicopter crashed through the roof of a house in southeast Wisconsin on Sunday, killing the two people on board but leaving the family inside the house unharmed. CNN \| Wisconsin State Journal
	Emergency Responders Take Part in Mock Wild Fire It was everything but the smoke and fire on Saturday afternoon in the Barnes-Gordon area. The Wisconsin DNR hosted a wild fire simulation to help several volunteer fire departments and emergency response officials to better prepare themselves to work together and take action in the event of a real fire.
	Superior Fire Department Receives Grant SUPERIOR -- The Superior Fire Department has received federal homeland security dollars for re-powering a fire-rescue boat.
	Landfill Fire SHAWNO -- Smoke billows from a fire that started before dawn Wednesday at the Shawano landfill at the end of Rusch Road.
	River Falls Town Board: Evaluating community’s fire response TOWN OF RIVER FALLS -- At the River Falls Town Board meeting this week, Chairwoman Diana Smith said Cedar Corporation has completed its fire response study for the town and surrounding communities.
	Massive fire destroys shed MONROE - Tony Fuchs could only watch and shake his head while his shed, which contained antique cars and other items was completely destroyed Tuesday.
	Elderly Racine man killed in crash SOMERS — An 83-year-old Racine man was killed this morning in a single-vehicle crash on Sheridan Road and 16th Street in the town of Somers.
	Towns deciding whether to join West Salem in fire district levy referendum HAMILTON -- Hamilton residents will likely join those in West Salem at the polls Nov. 4 to vote on a tax increase referendum designed to get the West Salem Fire Protecton District out of a financial jam.
	Wausau fire officials hope to have answers this morning WAUSAU -- Wausau Fire officials hope to learn this morning what caused a fire Tuesday night that killed three children on South First Avenue.
	Woman killed in crash with cement truck near Kaukauna KAUKAUNA — A woman is dead after a car she was riding in collided with a cement truck Wednesday morning.
	Lincoln takes a licking BARABOO -- Baraboo firefighters sweep up glass fragments on Broadway Wednesday after a Lincoln sedan had its driver's side crushed by a semi-trailer truck making a right turn onto Eighth Street.
	Emergency workers union changes name Mequon -- The Mequon Fire Department Organization has changed its name to the Mequon Fire and EMS Association.
	Names released in deadly house fire WAUSAU -- Two children have been pronounced dead, following a fire that destroyed a home in Wausau Tuesday night. UPI.com \| Wisconsin Journal Sentinel \| Photos \| WAOW
	Authorities Believe Arsonists Set Fire To Same House Twice KENOSHA - Kenosha authorities believe someone set the same house on fire twice in a matter of hours.
	Rausch can seek firefighters MONROE - On Monday, the City of Monroe Public Safety Committee authorized Fire Chief Daryl Rausch to advertise for and create an eligibility list of paid on-call firefighters, and to fill vacant positions.
	Man rescued on Bughs Lake this morning TOWN OF WAUTOMA - A 34-year-old Illinois man was rescued from Bughs Lake in the town of Wautoma after the canoe he was in capsized early today.
	News briefs: Girl, 16, killed in highway crash BEAVER DAM -- A 16-year-old girl from Beaver Dam was killed in a one-car crash about 3 p.m. Monday on Shaw Hill Road near Parker Road. Fond du Lac Reporter
	Rapids man sentenced, apologizes for church arson WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Officials say a 28-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man had a tragic upbringing, but it's no excuse for committing burglary and arson.
	House fire started in kitchen RACINE — A fire that displaced a family Sunday morning started on the stove top in the kitchen of the lower unit of a two-family home, according to Racine firefighters.
	Crash kills one; closes Hwy. 53Towns deciding whether to join West Salem in fire district levy referendum HAMILTON -- Hamilton residents will likely join those in West Salem at the polls Nov. 4 to vote on a tax increase referendum designed to get the West Salem Fire Protection District out of a financial jam.
	Two hurt in morning crash TOWN OF WILSON -- Two people were injured Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of county Highways A and EE in the Town of Wilson, according to the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department.
	Chemical leak at Manitowoc foundry sends 1 to hospital MANITOWOC — A chemical leak at a Manitowoc foundry caused employees to evacuate and sent one worker to the hospital. WBAY
	Appleton man who died in crash identified WAUPACA — A 39-year-old Appleton man died Saturday at Neenah’s Theda Clark Medical Center from severe injuries suffered in a one-vehicle crash about 2:30 a.m. Saturday in Farmington.
	Wausau home damaged in fire WAUSAU -- Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a fire Sunday night that badly damaged a Wausau home. Firefighters were called at 8:20 p.m. to 402 Kolter St. When the first firefighters arrived, flames could be seen coming out of a second floor door, Battalion Chief Tom Leslie said this morning.
	Memorial Planned for Fallen Green Bay Firefighter GREEN BAY -- It's been a little more than two years since Green Bay Firefighter Arnie Wolff was killed in the line of duty.
	Fire Destroys Jackson County Home JACKSON COUNTY -- An overnight fire burned a Jackson County home to the ground. It happened early Friday morning on Stark Road off Lockington Road near the La Crosse and Jackson county line.
	Human remains found in severely burned vehicle TOWN OF HALE, Wis. — Authorities said they still are working to identify human remains found Thursday morning in a severely burned vehicle parked just off a road in far northern Trempealeau County. WEAU
	ACCIDENT INJURES ONE ONALASKA -- Onalaska Police Officer Jim Page looks over the wreckage of a car that went off Interstate 90 about 4:30 p.m. Friday, down an embankment and struck a tree near the north parking lot at Sam’s Club, 1211 Crossing Meadows Drive.
	Woman injured in bus, car collision TOWN OF BURNS -- A rural Bangor woman was airlifted with serious injuries after her vehicle was struck by a Bangor school bus this afternoon on Highway DE about 2.5 miles north of Highway 16.
	North Bend fire leaves man homeless; Farmington firefighter hurt TOWN OF NORTH BEND -- A house fire in southern Jackson County has left one man homeless and sent one firefighter to the hospital.
	County pulls money for rescue vehicle WOOD COUNTY -- The Wood County Sheriff's Rescue won't get all the money they need for a new rescue vehicle put in the 2009 budget, but they will get some.
	Vilas County coroner: 3 men die in plane crash ARBOR VITAE -- Three men, including two from the Milwaukee area, died when their single-engine plane crashed near the Lakeland Airport on a trip to the Northwoods for a weekend getaway, the Vilas County coroner said Friday. WBAY \| WDJT
	Fire destroys business ROSHOLT -- Bushman's Body Shop, 357 Hanson St., Rosholt, was declared a total loss after a Friday afternoon fire, Rosholt Fire Chief Chris Kluck said.
	Story, photos, video: Three injured in Appleton crash APPLETON — Three people were injured, one believed seriously, when a speeding car crashed in the 1400 block of S. Memorial Drive late Friday.
	Lodge fire suspicious MERRIMAC -- Investigators have identified "persons of interest" and have plans to use a lie detector in the investigation of a fire that destroyed a Merrimac rental lodge in July.
	Family's dog dies in house fire HALE CORNERS -- A fire at a Hales Corners residence, 5625 S. 113th St., yesterday caused an estimated $75,000 damage.
	Firefighters to compete this weekend GREENDALE -- Four Greendale firefighters will compete Saturday at the 2008 Paul Davis Restoration Midwest Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge at Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., in Greenfield.
	Motorcycle work starts house fire; Firefighters turn to foam at Poynette blaze POYNETTE - A house fire Thursday in Poynette broke out at a time when the village's water towers had been emptied for painting - requiring the Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department to call for water from several surrounding Columbia County communities.
	House Fire Under Investigation MILWAUKEE - The cause of a house fire under investigation Friday morning.
	Shelby promotes safety officer to fire chief SHELBY -- It took little time for the new head of the Shelby Fire Department to take over his new duties.
	Local 911 Supervisor Receives Dispatch Award LA CROSSE -- A La Crosse County 911 supervisor is getting national recognition for his dedication to the community.
	Arsonists destroy Beloit playground BELOIT -- A gasoline fire destroys a Beloit School District playground early this morning.
	Four Fires Start Near Altoona ALTOONA --A campfire leads to a powerline problem and four more fires. Township firefighters were called to North Shore Drive and Bullhead Pond Road Wednesday night northeast of Altoona.
	Fatal Crash Near Kaukauna OUTAGAMIE COUNTY -- The Outagamie County Sheriff's Department says a man has died in a car crash just north of Kaukauna.
	News tracker: City ambulance referendum LA CROSSE -- What we knew: After months of negotiations between Tri-State Ambulance, the city of La Crosse and La Crosse County, city officials introduced — and subsequently dropped — plans to operate a city-run ambulance service. Still, council member Bruce Ranis sought to put a related referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot.
	Ceremony honors firefighters lost on 9-11 MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee firefighters stood in three lines with black bands across their badges and listened somberly this morning to a roll call of their fallen brothers and sisters who died responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
	Eagle residents say no to paid on call department Eagle - Town of Eagle residents shot down the referendum asking for a paid on call fire department in Eagle.
	County dispatch asked to propose budget cuts WOOD COUNTY -- Wood County Dispatch might have to cut one of its 21 dispatcher jobs and shift funds in an effort to meet the annual county budget.
	Flight for Life called after person falls SOUTH MILWAUKEE -- A Flight for Life helicopter was called to Aurora St. Luke's South Shore Hospital at about 5:30 p.m. today in response to a 911 call about a person who suffered a fall near their home on 710 Hawthorne Avenue, according to South Milwaukee Fire Department officials.
	PHOTOS: Home fire at 89 North Lincoln Av. FOND DU LAC -- Fond du Lac firefighters respond to a fire call at 89 North Lincoln Avenue in Fond du Lac. Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
	Crews battle fire in Greenfield GREENFIELD -- Firefighters from several communities are on the scene of a house fire at this hour in the 4200 block of S. 104th St. in Greenfield, according to police.
	Fox Valley fire departments evolve following events of 9-11 FOX VALLEY -- On successive Monday mornings, at fire stations a few miles apart in the Fox Cities, there wasn't a lot of coffee drinking or idle time.
	Fire damages technology business BROOKFIELD -- A fire at a Brookfield business last night caused $100,000 in damages. Firefighters responded to the fire at RF Technologies, 3815 N. 126th St., at 11:24 p.m. Crews entered the building and found a fire in the electronics lab. A sprinkler had confined the fire to the laboratory.
	Fire causes $60,000 damage to home BROOKFIELD -- A fire caused an estimated $60,000 in damage to a north side Brookfield home yesterday.
	Man dies in Outagamie Co. crash TOWN OF VANDENBROEK – A 23-year-old Kaukauna man was killed early today in a one-vehicle crash near Claribel and Green Bay roads in Outagamie County.
	Village board OKs levy referendum for fire department WEST SALEM -- It will be up to West Salem taxpayers, or at least those who turn out for the November election, whether the village should increase its tax base for a one-time bail out of the West Salem Fire Protection District.
	County's dive team's had busy year MARATHON COUNTY -- The Marathon County Sheriff's Department Dive Team has been kept much busier this year than in previous years, according to Sheriff's Lt. Mark Wagers, dive team leader.
	Explanation expected on costs for Brown County 911 center BROWN COUNTY -- Representatives from the construction company hired to build Brown County's new 911 communications center are expected to explain tonight why the project is $1.4 million over what county officials thought was a set price when they approved the bonding.
	Fire hits shop in Shawano County SHAWANO — Firefighters were on the scene this morning of a fire at Highway 29 Auto Parts at 5008 County BE in the Town of Waukechon, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department reported.
	Dellona puts EMS question on ballot TOWN OF DELLONA -- The Dellona Town Board approved a resolution establishing an advisory referendum question on whether to contract for ambulance and fire services from Dells Delton Emergency Medical Services on the Nov. 4 ballot, but two board members voted against the resolution on grounds that it wasn't complete and may be legally invalid.
	$13.2 million Fire Department budget OK'd NORTH SHORE -- The North Shore Fire Department Board of Directors yesterday approved the 2009 Fire Department budget of approximately $13.2 million, up 2.9 percent from the 2008 budget of $12.8 million.
	Fire Commission names two deputy chiefs NORTH SHORE -- Two new deputy fire chiefs assumed their new jobs on Sept. 8. The North Shore Fire Department Fire Commission named Andrew J. Harris and Robert C. Whitaker to permanently fill two deputy chief positions created after the departure of Charles Myers. Myers left to become chief of the Brookfield Fire Department in June. Both had been filling the jobs on an interim basis.
	Firefighters Dodge Bullets On Routine Call MILWAUKEE -- It's a call one veteran fire department lieutenant will never forget. “This was unusual because it all unfolded right in front of us,” Lt. Ron Firnrohr said.
	Stolen car set ablaze in garage MILWAUKEE -- A fire that was started in stolen car inside a garage on the city's north side destroyed the vehicle and the structure then spread to the exterior of a neighboring garage last night, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.
	Teen awakens to flames, rescues sisters MILWAUKEE -- A 14-year-old boy awoke to find his home in flames before he safely escaped through a bedroom window and then rescued his two younger sisters last night, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.
	Fire destroys vacant apartment building MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police are investigating a two-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant apartment building last night. WDJT \| WISN
	Fire at Janesville motel JANESVILLE — The cause of a fire at the Delavan Inn, at 120 West Delavan Drive in Janesville, is under investigation. Firefighters responded to the fire around 11:00 Monday night.
	False alarm fee proposed in city MARINETTE - The city's fire department wants to start charging businesses and residences for excessive false alarms.
	Hidden places offers a poignant tribute ANTIGO -- Sometimes, the smallest monuments pay tribute to the largest events. Nestled alongside City Hall is a tribute easy to miss—an angled piece of rusted steel located next to a small stone marker. Many people striding up to City Hall intent on doing business likely give it no glance at all.
	No one injured in Elkhart Lake fire ELKHART LAKE -- A house fire in Elkhart Lake Monday morning heavily damaged a basement but caused no injuries as two residents were able to escape unhurt, according to the village police chief.
	One dies after car hits semi south of Poynettte POYNETTE -- A 42-year-old Waunakee man is dead after the car he was driving traveled into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer and collided head on with the truck Monday morning, the Columbia County Sheriff's Department said.
	Town of Menasha fire staffing issue off ballot TOWN OF MENASHA — Town residents will not get a chance to vote Nov. 4 on a nearly $1 million proposal to cut fire response times by hiring 11 full-time firefighters.
	Merrill firefighters train for upcoming fall season MERRILL -- With the calendar closing the pages on summer and creeping near fall, the Merrill firefighters were out in the wooded area of Riverside Park recently drilling n potential wild land rescues and emergencies that they may encounter during the fall season. The specific scenario they trained on was a hunter who had fallen from a tree stand and was hung up along side the tree with a safety harness.
	Juvenile Charged With Arson, Homicide In Monroe House Fire MONROE -- The Green County District Attorney's Office said it has filed a delinquency petition charging a 16-year-old juvenile with arson and first-degree homicide in connection with a March house fire in Monroe.
	Fire Destroys Chilton Business CLINTON -- A Chilton business was destroyed in a fire Sunday night. The fire at Cardinal Cafe was reported just after 11 P.M. The cafe was located off of Highway 15, just east of East Chestnut Street.
	Ex-husband charged with homicide in house fire SHAWNO -- The ex-husband of a Shawano woman killed in a fatal fire last month was charged Monday morning with first-degree intentional homicide.
	Garbage cart fire spreads to home MILWAUKEE -- A garbage cart fire spread to the exterior of a home last night, causing about $9,000 in damage, according to Milwaukee police.
	Firefighters snuff television fire KENOSHA -- A television fire Saturday night caused minor damage to a condominium. According to Kenosha Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Haerter, the television at 2816 55th Ave. caught fire around 9:46 p.m., with the owner reporting smoke and flames.
	Rudolph fire destroys pickup RUDOLPH -- At 5:52 a.m. Sunday, the Rudolph Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on Highway 34.
	Fire destroys pole shed HANSEN — A Sunday night fire destroyed a pole shed on Maplewood Road, Hansen. The cause and origin to the shed, owned by Mike and Tina Fox, is undetermined at this time, Pittsville Fire Chief Jerry Minor said.
	Fire destroys barn in Town of Wilson TOWN OF WILSON -- The Sheboygan County Fire Investigation Unit is searching for the cause of a Sunday morning fire in the Town of Wilson.
	Fire rips through north-side garage SHEBOYGAN -- A fire at a north-side garage caused $7,500 damage but injured no one this morning on the city’s north side, according to the Sheboygan Fire Department.
	Missing Oshkosh teens rescued from Lake Winnebago OSHKOSH -- Two missing Oshkosh teens were found early Sunday morning after their canoe flipped over Saturday night on Lake Winnebago. WFRV
	Motorcyclist killed in Taylor County crash TOWN OF MEDFORD — A motorcyclist was killed Sunday night after his motorcycle crashed on Highway E in Taylor County.
	Car hits deer; woman, 69, dies PORTERFIELD — A 69-year-old Marinette woman has died of injuries sustained in a Saturday evening car-deer crash in the town of Porterfield.
	2 killed, 4 injured in intersection collision in Calumet County HILBERT — Two people were killed and four others were injured in a collision at a Calumet County intersection.
	Names Released in Merrill Fatal Car Accident MERRILL -- The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department has released the names of those involved in the the fatal car accident Saturday morning on US Highway 51 in Merrill.
	Town Hall/firehouse project put on hold - Economy, time cited in postponing building project Town of Delafield - One year after the Town Board agreed to resurrect the idea of new facilities the board Aug. 26 agreed to put the project on hold.
	Sparta motorcycle crash sends one person to hospital SPARTA -- The Sparta Police Department is investigating a motorcycle accident that injured the driver, 20 year old Edward Lipke of Sparta. The accident occurred Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at approximately 9:45 a.m. near the intersection of Herald Ave at Harmony Ave.
	Firefighter inducted into hall of fame LA CROSSE -- One of the best aspects about being a firefighter, Blane Neher said, is you’re part of a family. But tonight, he’ll be recognized for something he did on his own.
	Eau Claire Firefighter inducted into Hall of Fame
	Pardeeville’s director of EMTs ousted PARDEEVILLE - The Pardeeville District Ambulance Service is under new management. Jim Cedarwall, a paramedic with Divine Savior Healthcare of Portage, was appointed Wednesday as interim director of the ambulance service, replacing Darlene Wendt, who had held the director's post since 1989.
	Arson is apparent cause of car fires SHAWNO -- Arson may be the cause of two vehicle fires on the same block within minutes of each other, according to the Shawano Police Department.
	Blowing the whistle on daily tradition RIVER FALLS -- If you live near the fire station, noon is a bad time of day. It’s also a wakeup call.
	Fire damages north side house MILWAUKEE -- A family has been displaced from their north side house after a fire this morning burned through two floors and caused $65,000 in damage to the structure, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. WDJT
	Firefighters battle Okauchee house fire OKAUCHEE -- Firefighters are on the scene of a house fire this morning in Okauchee. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \| Fox 6
	Sparks from welders blamed for fire at Advanced Cast Stone TOWN OF SHERMAN -- A fire Wednesday morning at a Town of Sherman manufacturer drew several fire departments but did little damage and caused no injuries, authorities said.
	Smoke detectors removed in fatal fire, report finds CLARK COUNTY -- A Clark County home where two children died and four adults were injured in early April had smoke detectors removed and not replaced prior to a fire, according to a state fire marshal’s report.
	Cedar Grove teen injured in mo-ped crash TOWN OF HOLLAND -- A Cedar Grove teen was seriously injured Wednesday when the mo-ped he was riding struck a wood chipper attached to the back of a truck parked along Termaat Road in the Town of Holland.
	Fire causes severe smoke damage to Appleton home APPLETON — Residents of a northside home spent Wednesday night at a hotel after smoke from a basement fire heavily damaged their home.
	Small plane crash in SW Wis.; 2 students burned CASSVILLE — Two student aviators crashed a small plane into a tree and cabins at a southwestern Wisconsin resort on Wednesday, causing a fire and leaving both severely burned, authorities said. The Capital Times \| WEAU \| Channel3000.com
	Court: Wisconsin hotel not liable for fire MADISON -- A state appeals court says a Lake Delton hotel isn't liable for guests' injuries in a 2001 fire.
	Local Firefighters Reach Out to New Orleans Brethren GREEN BAY -- Some of the people who didn't evacuate New Orleans for Hurricane Gustav were the city's firefighters, who were asked to stay and help in emergencies.
	Overnight Fire Destroys Garage ELK MOUND -- A garage is destroyed after an early morning fire breaks out. Elk Mound Fire District and Township Fire were called to a garage on fire at E 10040 410th Avenue in Springbrook Township around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday.
	Fire, Rescue School TOMAHAWK -- The 2008 Tomahawk Fire and Rescue School is seeing attendee numbers grow after last year's dip. Now in its 22nd year, an estimated 350 firefighter and rescue personnel will attend the Sept. 6-7 event that features some of the most up-to-date and hands-on training available in the country
	Fire damages vacant Milwaukee house MILWAUKEE -- A fire early today that caused $15,000 damage to a vacant north side house was likely caused by an electrical problem inside the walls, according to Milwaukee police. WDJT
	Flight For Life Open House WAUKESHA -- Flight For Life is hosting an open House for the general public this Saturday from noon until 2 p.m at their new base located at the Waukesha County Airport-Crites Field.
	Illinois fire leads to air advisory in county KENOSHA COUNTY -- A fire at a metal recycling plant in Zion, Ill., early Monday morning resulted in a reverse 911 call to residents in areas of Kenosha County to advise them to stay indoors.
	Roscoe crews search pond for boy ROSCOE - A 17-year-old boy may have drowned Monday evening in a retention pond in the Chicory Ridge Subdivision, according to Police Chief Gary Ballard.
	Advanced Cast Stone fire extinguished TOWN OF SHERMAN -- Firefighters are on the scene of a fire this morning at Advanced Cast Stone in the Town of Sherman, according to scanner reports.
	'Emergency' show fuels Manitowoc fire chief's passion MANITOWOC — Manitowoc Fire Chief Bill Manis answered questions from the Herald Times Reporter about his position as fire chief. Manis was permanently hired by the Manitowoc City Council on July 21 after holding the acting fire chief position since Jan. 15.
	Water, emergency services key in De Pere DE PERE — Water quality and emergency medical, police and fire services are among the most important to residents participating in a recent city survey.
	Fire chief search continues BEAVER DAM -- The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission continued its search for a new fire chief Tuesday evening, going into closed session to discuss the open position and other personnel matters at its monthly meeting at city hall.
	Biefeld promoted to city assistant fire chief position WATERTOWN -- Kraig Biefeld has been promoted to assistant fire chief and director of Emergency Medical Services at the Watertown Fire Department.
	Milwaukee Family Jumps From Burning Home MILWAUKEE -- Four people were rescued from their burning home in Milwaukee early Monday morning.
	Truck Fire Backs up Traffic on Hwy. 29 Chippewa County -- A vehicle starts on fire, backing up traffic on Highway 29 Sunday afternoon.
	Fire Shuts Down Eau Claire Road EAU CLAIRE -- Firefighters arrived on the scene at 2755 3rd Street around 9 p.m. Sunday after a neighbor spotted smoke coming from the home and called 911.
	Firefighter suffers minor burns in blaze MILWAUKEE -- A firefighter suffered minor burns and three tenants were taken from a burning apartment building in Milwaukee Monday night. WDJT
	Man awakens to find house on fire EAU CLAIRE -- An Eau Claire man was taken to the hospital Monday night after waking to find his Third Street home on fire
	Fire leads to evacuation of apartment - Building is uninhabitable for awhile, police say Village of Pewaukee - Dozens of residents in an apartment building on Morris Street were evacuated early Thursday morning due to a fire in an underground storage area.
	Fire chiefs propose automatic response plan RACINE — If your heart should experience difficulty while you are shopping at Regency Mall in Racine, your rescue squad will come from the firehouse at Lathrop and Washington Avenues, along with a fire engine crew from the Blaine Avenue firehouse — provided those units are available and in quarters.
	Update: Allouez house fire was arson ALLOUEZ — A fire that caused an estimated $100,000 damage to a two-story home at 720 E. Allouez Ave. on Sunday morning was intentionally set, said Capt. Bryan Becker of the Allouez Fire Department.
	Firefighter referendum still smoldering TOWN OF MENASHA — Lisa Howard said the June 19 fire that destroyed her home and business is a prime example of the need for the town to improve fire response times.
	It's official: Roemer sworn in as Green Bay fire chief GREEN BAY -- The man serving as Green Bay's fire chief since April was formally sworn in for the position Wednesday.
	Motorcyclist Hit By Car, Killed On East Side MILWAUKEE - A motorcyclist was killed on Milwaukee’s east side after he was hit by a car.
	Duplex fire MILWAUKEE -- Investigators are trying to figure out what sparked a fire overnight.
	Pewaukee Police Investigate Three Crimes Related To House Fire PEWAUKEE -- Pewaukee police are trying to solve a bizarre overnight fire. It all happened on one property, but there could be there separate crimes.
	Illinois Man Dies in Little Green Lake Boating Accident MARKESAN -- A 41-year-old Illinois man is dead from a boating-related accident on area waters. Officers found him in nearly eight feet of water in Little Green Lake, north of Markesan.
	Downtown accident injures one MONROE - A two-vehicle accident at about 11:15 a.m. Friday at the intersection of 11th Street and 18th Avenue in Monroe left one passenger injured.
	Rescuers hone skills - Exercises used GPS and worked in confined areas Hartland - Area departments brushed up on skills they typically don't use, but are critical in saving lives.

Firefighters win trip to Playboy Mansion (from wauwatosanow.com)
WAUWATOSA -- They fight fires, respond to accidents and save lives.

And, when necessary, they strike a pretty darn good Captain Morgan pose.

The six new recruits of the Wauwatosa Fire Department entered the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum Ultimate Pose Off, a nationwide contest in which people pose like Captain Morgan to win a trip to the Playboy Mansion Halloween Party.

And they won.

The photo, one of more than 15,000 submitted, features the six recruits on the chopping block - a simulated training roof.

According to a news release announcing the winner, the photo, submitted by recruit Alex Warmka, "captured the spirit of the competition, while adhering to the contest's criteria of creativity, technical merit and overall 'awesomeness.'"

The six recruits -- five men and one woman -- now have the opportunity to take an all-expenses-paid trip for the winner and five friends to Hugh Hefner's Halloween Party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles.

The photo was taken during a training session lunch break with Warmka's personal camera.

Fire station bids come in over budget (from newberlinnow.com)
NEW BERLIN -- With bids on a new fire station for New Berlin coming in $221,000 over budget, city aldermen decided Tuesday to defer awarding those bids until Oct. 14.

In the planning stages since 2005, the new station, to be built on the east side of Racine Avenue north of National Avenue, was budgeted at $1.8 million. Construction prices have increased 8 to 12 percent a year since then.

Assistant Fire Chief Fred Schultz said the bids were good for 60 days and he would try to work with the bidders. He also said grant money was available after the building was complete and there could be up to $85,000 available in impact fees from developers.

The new station will replace an outdated one on National Avenue west of Racine Avenue.

Emergency workers union changes name (from mequonnow.com)
Mequon -- The Mequon Fire Department Organization has changed its name to the Mequon Fire and EMS Association.

The new name recognizes that members of the city's Ambulance Department as well as the Fire Department are part of the association, according to a statement from the association.

The Mequon Fire Department Organization had represented its members in talks with the city over employment issues. But in February the members voted to formally become a union, and the union is the official bargaining agent for the members in contract talks with the city.

ACCIDENT INJURES ONE (from the La Crosse Tribune)
ONALASKA -- Onalaska Police Officer Jim Page looks over the wreckage of a car that went off Interstate 90 about 4:30 p.m. Friday, down an embankment and struck a tree near the north parking lot at Sam’s Club, 1211 Crossing Meadows Drive.

Car suspected as fire's cause (from greenfieldnow.com)
GREENFIELD -- Fire investigators believe a recent house fire started in or near the car parked in the garage.

The Sept. 10 fire in the 4200 block of South 104th Street destroyed the car and attached garage before moving into the house.

"Mechanical problems with the car may have been an issue, but we're not entirely sure," Greenfield Police Department Capt. Paul Schlecht said.

One homeowner was taken to a local hospital and released and the other homeowner was not home at the time of the fire, which was reported at 10:40 a.m. that day.

Family's dog dies in house fire (from myhalescornersnow.com)
HALES CORNERS -- A fire at a Hales Corners residence, 5625 S. 113th St., yesterday caused an estimated $75,000 damage.

Hales Corners Fire Dept. Lt. Nick Schreiber said the fire began in the kitchen at about 2:30 p.m. but did not spread through the remainder of the single-family residence.

No one was injured although the family dog died in the fire.

Schreiber said the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Firefighters from Hales Corners, Franklin, Greenfield and Greendale kept the fire from spreading and extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes.

The residence was unoccupied during the fire. A neighbor reported the blaze to the department.

Firefighters to compete this weekend (from greendalenow.com)
GREENDALE -- Four Greendale firefighters will compete Saturday at the 2008 Paul Davis Restoration Midwest Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge at Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., in Greenfield.

Firefighters Kyle Kierzek, Kurt Risberg, Luke Amann and Lt. Dean Kozelek will participate during the individual competition from noon to 5 p.m. The competition tests firefighters' skills in an obstacle course that requires competitors to wear full bunker gear and breathing equipment, while climbing a five-story tower, hoisting and dragging hoses, using their axes as needed and rescuing a life-size, 175-pound dummy.

The event includes teams from throughout the nation and Canada, with several Milwaukee-area fire departments competing. Activities such as fire safety seminars, children's crafts and other entertainment also will be offered.

For information visit www.firefighterchallenge.com.

Flight for Life called after person falls (from southmilwaukeenow.com)
SOUTH MILWAUKEE -- A Flight for Life helicopter was called to Aurora St. Luke's South Shore Hospital at about 5:30 p.m. today in response to a 911 call about a person who suffered a fall near their home on 710 Hawthorne Avenue, according to South Milwaukee Fire Department officials.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene, where paramedics decided the patient's condition required an airlift. The South Milwaukee Fire and Police departments prepared to have the helicopter land at a soccer field near the intersection of Pine Street and Memorial Drive. However, when the helicopter was still five minutes away, the patient's condition changed.