River Falls Fire Department personnel responded to three fires in less than 24 hours last week during frigid temperatures.
At 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, River Falls Fire requested mutual aid at a house fire at N7984 870th St., River Falls. According to scanner traffic, a resident called dispatch about a chimney fire and said he and his dog had evacuated the home. Pierce County property tax records indicate the home is owned by Eric and Mary Bergman.
According to a news release, firefighting personnel arrived 12 minutes after the initial call. The roof of the split-level home with attached two-car garage was on fire when they arrived. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and began checking for an extension.
No residents or firefighters were injured. RF Fire responded with 26 personnel and six apparatus. Other agencies who assisted were Allina Ambulance, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, United Fire Department, Roberts-Warren Fire Department, Prescott Fire Department, Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department, Pierce Pepin Electric, City of River Falls and Town of River Falls highway departments.
Firefighter were able to clear the scene at 6:11 p.m. The cause of the fire was ruled as accidental.
A Facebook post by the Bergmans confirmed their home was a total loss.
“We are overwhelmed by all the love & support we have received,” Mary Bergman wrote. “Our family, friends and neighbors have gone above and beyond for us. We would like everyone to know we’re doing fine. We have received many generous donations and have plenty of clothes. We have a place to live and are doing fine financially. We have a lot to be thankful for.”
River Falls Municipal Utilities posted on social media to alert residents that water was being drawn from a hydrant at 1107 S. Wasson Lane (the former PR’s Place) to help fight the fire, possibly causing icing on the road and brown water coming from nearby faucets due to the high volume of water being pumped.
“There may also be slight fluctuations in water pressure and temporary discoloration,” the post said. “This discoloration, which is caused by oxidized iron, is harmless and does not affect the safety of the water. To clear the water, run cold water from the faucet closest to your water meter until it runs clear. Please ensure the water is clear before doing laundry.”
Firefighters were called out again at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 to a structure fire at 526 County Road M in the town of Troy. Crews arrived 14 minutes after the initial call to find an outbuilding on fire with no one inside.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze quickly; no residents or fire personnel were injured, according to a news release. Crews cleared the scene by 2:28 a.m.
Twenty RF personnel responded along with seven apparatus. Agencies that assisted at the scene were Allina Ambulance, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, United Fire Department, Roberts-Warren Fire, Prescott Fire, Xcel Energy and City of River Falls Highway Department.
Crews responded to a third blaze, a chimney fire, at 8:42 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at 1297 River Ridge Road in River Falls. Property records list the owners at Traci & Fabian Campion. Everyone was evacuated from the home safely.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames quickly and left the scene by 9:52 p.m. Twenty-one personnel and five apparatus assisted on the scene, including help from Allina Ambulance and River Falls Police Department.
