Portage, WI: On Monday, January 2, 2023 at 9:15 PM, the Portage Fire Department was dispatched to AMPI at 301 Brooks Street for a fire alarm. Enroute PFD was advised that there was smoke and fire showing. Upon arrival Portage Fire reported heavy smoke and fire from the roof of a two-three story commercial concrete structure. PFD fire crews stretched lines to the entrance door but were pushed back by the heat and smoke. Unable to access the structure they used their monitor to fight the fire until Poynette and Kilbourne Fire arrived with their aerial apparatus.
Fire crews attempted to gain access from each end of the structure to control fire spread but due to the heavy smoke and runoff they couldn’t proceed. The fire started in a room where butter was being stored and as it was heated it began to flow throughout the structure. The butter runoff and heavy smoke slowed access to the structure. After multiple hours with many crews the fire was contained and extinguished before it could spread past the firewalls and throughout the building.
Portage Hazmat Team also attempted to contain the runoff into the storm sewers and into the canal. They placed boom and other absorbents to control the runoff. The DNR will be out to assess the runoff later today.
The PFD called for a Mutual Aid Box Alarm for the following departments to assist with the fire: Pardeeville Fire, Poynette Fire, Kilbourne Fire, Baraboo Fire, Briggsville Fire, Rio Fire, Wyocena Fire, Columbus Fire and Lodi Fire. Pardeeville EMS and Aspirus MedEvac were on scene to track firefighter health. Portage Police Department was on scene for traffic control and scene security. Columbia County Dispatch did a great job handling the mutual aid response and other calls for service. Alliant Energy was called to the scene to secure the power and gas to the structure. Bob Koch from Emergency Management was on scene to assist. He was able to secure food and water donated by Kwik Trip to feed the firefighters. Smith Bus brought 2 buses in for AMPI workers and firefighters to stay warm and rehab. AMPI management was very helpful with access and knowledge of the structure. The PFD wants to thank all those that helped with the fire suppression and the support provided.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
