’23 years we had that. Just sad’: Big Bend landscaping business destroyed after massive fire

BIG BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) — Multiple agencies responded to a structure fire in Big Bend on Friday, April 19. It happened near Industrial and Edgewood. 

It was just after 9 p.m. when Greg Peterson got the call. 

“Sick. Sick to my stomach,” said Peterson. “I mean look at the steel, just crumbled. Just melted.”

His longtime landscaping business, Extreme Exteriors, went up in flames.

“23 years, we had that. Just kind of sad,” said Peterson. “It’s amazing what fire can do.”

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department says it’s likely the fire began because of wood staining rags. More than 20 area fire department agencies responded to the call. The fire departments were able to contain the fire and no other businesses were affected, according to the sheriff’s office. No one was injured. 

“There were so many fire trucks and so many people that helped,” said Peterson. 

The damage estimate is currently unknown.

“I am sure it’s in the millions,” said Peterson. 

Fire officials were able to save what Peterson calls priceless memories.

“I had pictures of my dad and grandkids. Stuff that really meant something to me,” said Peterson. 

The fire is still fresh, but Peterson’s already focused on rebuilding. It’s the only way, he says he can keep going, 

“There’s not a person around here that hasn’t stepped forward and asked how they can help,” said Peterson. “I’m looking forward to the future.”

Officials say an investigation into the fire is ongoing.