The West Bend Fire Department was dispatched at a working still level for a report of thick, dark smoke coming from a building in the area of Highway NN, in West Bend on Saturday, February 14.

Auto aid was provided from the Kewaskum Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department, and St. Lawrence Fire Department.

West Bend's Engine 3 arrived first and reported heavy smoke from units on the north side of the structure. Crews deployed handlines and initiated a fire attack. Additional units arrived on scene and assisted Engine 3 with a fire attack, access to the fire, ventilation, search of the structure and containing the fire.

The incident was upgraded to a Box Alarm, bringing additional resources from the Allenton Fire Department, Hartford Fire and Rescue and Newburg Fire Department.

The fire originated in a front office area and extended into the shop portion of the building. The fire was contained to the front section; however, the remainder of the building sustained significant heat and smoke damage. The cause remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental.

While crews were operating at the fire scene, the department was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Highway 45 north of Highway 33, which involved three subjects.  

Two patients sustained serious injuries, and extrication was required.

Due to the severity of injuries, Flight for Life was requested for one patient and was transported to Wauwatosa. The second patient was also transported to Wauwatosa by ambulance.