Business owner and fire department speak on Rice Lake fire

RICE LAKE, Wis. (WEAU) – The Kitchen and Floor Decor warehouse, Finewood Inc., Cheese Louise and Agonic Brewing in downtown Rice Lake suffered a huge loss on Thursday.

After a massive fire, there is nothing left and it has been quite the shock for business owners.

“A little tough, it was obviously a devastating loss but hopeful.” Dannyelle Moon said.

Dannyelle Moon, the owner of the Agonic Brewing Company, says she and another business owner were inside when the fire started, but thankfully neither of them were injured.

“I didn’t even see the fire from my side yet. it hadn’t even really progressed yet so we both got out, and nobody else was here so.” Moon said.

“Fire started a the southeast corner of the building, and it quickly spread.” Captain Putnam said.

Captain Dave Putnam with the Rice Lake Fire Department says there were very dry conditions that made the fire even worse and spread faster.

“The construction was able to push forward and engulf the whole building within minutes, it was a very strong fire. The building is over 100 years old, wood frame, timber, very dry, very open, we had a south wind we had the fire start on the south side. We just had a lot of factors go into it, and certainly the weather did not help this building at all.” Captain Putnam said.

One fireman suffered an arm injury, but Captain Putnam says he was treated, released and is doing well.

“The cause is still undetermined, we’re still investigating.” Captain Putnam said.

Business owners like Dannyelle Moon plan to restore what was lost, and are asking for the communities support.

“We definitely have big goals to come back, just support local, I mean they all are counting on your support all the time. Even not in the face of tragedy.” Moon said.

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