Sparta Firefighters extinguish multiple flames in dangerously cold temperatures

A machine shed and its contents were lost in a fire that happened around 9:37 a.m. Sunday along County Hwy. A.

The Sparta Fire Department was called to 15545 County Hwy. A. Fire Chief Mike Arnold said the building was fully engulfed and live wires were down.

The shed that measured 36’x96′ was a total loss along with tools, a pickup, a gator, and many pieces of equipment. Arnold said the firefighters worked in temperatures 20 degrees below zero, which caused the fire ground to become very dangerous.

Currently, Arnold believes the fire started at the north end of the shed because that area housed a wood stove.

While on that scene, a second fire call came in at 7769 Garnett Ave. around 10:46 a.m. A skid steer was on fire in a shed. The owners pulled the skid steer out of the building, and crews extinguished that flame. There was minor smoke damage to the shed.

Chief Arnold said it is not uncommon to have fires back-to-back, and that is why it was important to have units ready to respond to a second call.

Sparta Ambulance Service, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Fort McCoy Fire Department, and Oakdale Electric assisted with the fire on County A. Sparta Ambulance Service and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office helped with the fire on Garnett Ave.