Domestic partners claim benefits
Updated: 07/07/12 - Same-sex couples are finally seeing results after the city council made it effective starting July 1st that they can claim insurance benefits for partners of city employees. Read More
Updated: Wed 5:46 PM, Jun 13, 2012
Barn destroyed in Bloomer fire
(WEAU) - Multiple departments were called to 85th St., north of Bloomer around 7:30am on Wednesday.
“I looked through the bathroom window and I seen the smoke between the barn and the silos,” said Harley Christianson
It was a day that semi-retired Harley and Arlene Christianson couldn’t have predicted.
“It’s hard to see. No animals were hurt or anything like that. We go from there," said Arlene Christianson.
“Leaving work, I had immediately called for mutual aid from more Tenders," said Brian Bleskacek, Bloomer Fire Chief.
The Bloomer Fire Chief says several fire departments such as Tilden, Chippewa Fire District, New Auburn and Eagle Point helped out.
He also says the Tenders dropped off more than 200,000 gallons of water to help put out the fire.
Meanwhile the Christianson family says they had a barn fire back in 1998 and neighbors have always lent a helping hand.
"We've always had good neighbors in this area. We never can complain. Everybody is helpful either way you look," said Arlene.
"Just that kind of neighborhood, that's what we do. There's a problem we help take care of it," said neighbor Jim Mikula.
Neighbor Jim Mikula says he's grown up with Harley and is happy to take in eight calves that no longer have a home.
"My barn is empty and we have the opportunity to help them out and we made a place for them," said Mikula.
The Fire Chief says it took several hours to put out fire, but is the average time for barn fires.
"The ladder truck does a great job of getting the water high, when you're at the ground level, spraying the water up you can't get the water where it needs to be," said Fire Department Chief.
The official cause of the fire is still unknown, but the Fire Chief believes an electrical fan may have been a factor.
“Thankful for everybody that pitched in and helped and good thing it wasn't any worse than it was," said Harley.
The Western Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross sent three disaster volunteers to the fire. They provided food, drink and snacks to the responding fire departments.
No one was hurt in the fire.
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus
Community Headlines
Local Hmong woman makes national history
Updated: 06/29/12 - 24-year old Shoua Bauer now has a certificate from Chippewa Valley Technical College to become a police officer. Read More
Rice Lake company hires 52 summer interns
Updated: 06/26/12 - A company that makes scales, that's known around the world, has hired fifty interns this summer, and is still looking to fill forty full-time positions. Read More
Chippewa Falls snorkel truck back from repairs
Updated: 06/21/12 - A replacement fire truck is still in the works for the Chippewa Falls Department, after their snorkel truck returns from repairs. Read More
Interviews
Kindergartners get "veducation" at local produce farm
Updated: 8:17 AM - Do your kids eat their vegetables? About 150 local kindergartners visited J & A Produce CSA in Jackson County to learn more about the veggies on their plates. Read More
Fewer Americans pay tribute to 9/11
Updated: 09/11/12 - Local veterans and emergency responders are looking back on September 11th. But according to a recent survey, as the years go by, fewer Americans are doing that in a formal way. Read More
SUNRISE INTERVIEW: Pure Water Days features quilt show and much more
Updated: 08/08/12 - From August 9-12, the 36th annual Pure Water Days will take place throughout Chippewa Falls. Read More
Police reach out to families for national 'Night Out'
Updated: 08/07/12 - The Eau Claire Police Department is standing up alongside the community for the 29th Annual National ‘Night Out’ to raise awareness about breaking the law. Read More
Domestic partners claim benefits
Updated: 07/07/12 - Same-sex couples are finally seeing results after the city council made it effective starting July 1st that they can claim insurance benefits for partners of city employees. Read More
Local Hmong woman makes national history
Updated: 06/29/12 - 24-year old Shoua Bauer now has a certificate from Chippewa Valley Technical College to become a police officer. Read More
Rice Lake company hires 52 summer interns
Updated: 06/26/12 - A company that makes scales, that's known around the world, has hired fifty interns this summer, and is still looking to fill forty full-time positions. Read More
