ST. ANNA, Wis. - Authorities say a Dumpster outside an eastern Wisconsin foundry has exploded, killing one firefighter and injuring at least four others.
Victims Identifed
Steven Koeser, age 33
- died of blunt force trauma
Brad S. Woelfel, age 28
-transported to Theda Clark Medical Center- soft body injuries, no broken bones, all injuries are non-life threatening, he is in good condition and has been released.
Michael W. Fromm, age 27
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for multiple burns and was released
Jeffrey L. Fliss, age 31
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for multiple burns and was released
Matthew J. Winkel, age 28
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for multiple burns and was released
Joshua P. Mertens, age 31
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for sore back and released
Kurt P. Kelling, age 30
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for minor injuries and released
Chase J. Fritsch, age 17
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for minor injuries and released
Joshua Tyler Scott, age 15
-transported to Calumet Medical Center - treated for ear ringing and released
Calumet County Sheriff Gerald Pagel says it's not clear what caused the blast Tuesday evening.
The Dumpster is outside Bremer Manufacturing near rural St. Anna.
Pagel says a patrol officer saw a fire on the Bremer grounds Tuesday about 7:20 p.m. and called the fire department.
Neighbors tell The Post-Crescent of Appleton they heard an explosion just before 8 p.m. that shook homes, cracked walls and sent a plume of white smoke into the sky.
Calument County deputy Brett Bowe says a 33-year-old firefighter died at the scene.
A hospital official says one firefighter is in critical condition. Pagel says three others have non-life-threatening injuries.
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Visitation: Jan 2, 2010 0800-1400
Service: 1400-1500 with graveside to follow.
Per family and Dept.... Please DO NOT bring large fire apparatus. Limit your vehicles to Dept vans, sedans, or suv's. There is limited parking and seating. If you would like to participate as a visiting Dept for the line up for graveside, please be at the St Anna Fire Station by 1300.
If you have a dress uniform, please wear it. Also wear badge bands.
Clean/cleaner Turn out coats acceptable due to cold weather.
If you have questions, please email me at mfdhonorguard@wi.rr.com
John i really do not think so maybe but..... why were the JRs out and that close to a worjing fire. Again it goes to" routine" dumpster fire. as i said most importantly is mine and everybodies prayers to the survivors and the fire house. it has to be hard pill to swallow
Tim,
What don't you think so? The explorers on scene, the possible cause of the explosion the state is saying, or something else? Just a bit confused here.
The latest story in the local paper addressed the issue. The 15 y/o is an explorer and the article states he was 100 yards away from the fire and he went to the hospital for ringing in his ears. The 17 y/o, not too sure about, but mentions he is the stepson of the dept spokesman.
It is a hard pill to swallow and a needless death, but it is an unfortunate wake up for the rest of us and to look at how we respond to such fires in the future.
Sorry hadnt seen that what the cause was, It is just a tradgedy. I never pesonallly liked explorers on a fire scene, too much going on and too much confusion but thats an opinion. thanks for the insight on what you read. Stay safe
Someone was charged with the murder of 2 firefighters in the UK recently, due to Arson. everyone should be accountable for their actions, all emergency services face extreme conditions throughout their tour of duty, may are thoughts be with the families of our fallen brothers.