Update: the following information has been released by the Fort Atkinson Police Department at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday:
Attention: Citizens evacuated or displaced by the fire on Oak Street today, are now free to return to their homes. There will still be fire and police units on scene tending to the fire, do your best to avoid them when returning home. Thanks again for all of the help, providing food and drink to our officers and firefighters, the outpouring of support was overwhelming. We are so proud to serve you.
Editor’s note: The following information has been released by Fort Atkinson city officials regarding the events surrounding today’s fire.
The Fort Atkinson Fire Department has reported the fire on Oak Street is at a 5th Alarm, bringing resources in from all departments in the county and strike teams from Rock and Dane counties, as well as a task force from Illinois.
“We’ve drained the city water system,” said Chief (Daryl) Rausch, during a press conference. “We’ve elected to let the balance of the building burn out.”
The DNR is on scene monitoring runoff and the EPA is on-site doing air monitoring.
There was no one in the warehouse at the time of the fire. There were three workers in a nearby facility who have been accounted for. There were no dogs at the nearby kennel club.
The Fort Atkinson Police Department has reported there was a mandatory evacuation of the residents on parts of Oak Street and North Main. Fort Atkinson Police Chief (Adrian) Bump stated during a press conference those residents will likely be able to return to their homes tonight. Those who do need a place to stay are encouraged to come to the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, 101 N. Main St.
Due to the heat, firefighters are working on a 20-minute rotation and there have been minor injuries of firefighters due to the heat. A new team of firefighters will take over operations at 7 p.m. Another press briefing will be held at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
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