Firefighters battle a fire at Green Bay Converting on Larsen Road March 16, 2026. (Courtesy: Green Bay Metro Fire Department)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Four months after major winter storms in mid-March caused the roof to collapse at Green Bay Converting, investigators say the cause of the subsequent fire cannot be determined.
The record-setting blizzard dropped 26.6 inches of snow March 14-16 with wind gusts up to 59 mph, making it the second-largest snowstorm in Green Bay’s 138-year recorded history
On March 16, crews were called to Green Bay Converting for a fire at the north warehouse.
Investigators determined the snow load caused the roof to collapse and then the fire started. Due to the extensive damage caused by the roof collapse and subsequent fire, investigators were unable to identify the specific ignition source, and the cause of the fire cannot be determined. However, the roof collapse significantly impacted the building’s utility systems, which most likely contributed to the fire. The collapse also compromised the fire sprinkler system, preventing it from effectively containing the fire.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during the fire, which continued to burn for days.
About a month after the fire, Green Bay Converting let 32 workers go.
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