Hartford, WI – At 10:02 a.m. on August 15, 2024 – Hartford, WI – Hartford Fire & Rescue responded to Wayside Drive for the report of a tree that fell and landed on a car and a house, with downed power lines arcing and smoking.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the downed power lines to be actively arcing on the house. Hartford Fire & Rescue firefighters assured that all occupants of the house had evacuated, and made entry to check for fire extension.
Interior crews found growing smoke conditions in the attic and in the basement, with the power lines in the attic actively burning.
Due to the growing fire conditions and the dangerous condition caused by the energized power lines, Incident Command upgraded to the working still level, obtaining assistance from St Lawrence Fire Company and Slinger Fire Department, and Lifestar with an ambulance to standby at the Hartford fire station.
While the house is supplied with electricity from WE Energies, Hartford Electric Utility also responded to assist in disconnecting power from the house. After the disconnect was completed, firefighters were able to safely complete their work inside of the house.
EMS crews provided rehabilitation efforts to working firefighters. No citizens or responding firefighters or EMS personnel were injured in this incident. The building’s structural integrity was not affected, but smoke spread included the entire building. Fans were used to finish ventilating the house with fresh air, and the property was turned back over to the home owners.