The fire in downtown Rice Lake brought down a historic building that housed small businesses.
RICE LAKE, Wis. — Multiple businesses in western Wisconsin were reduced to rubble by a massive fire Thursday afternoon that officials say was made worse by strong wind gusts.
Firefighters in Rice Lake were called to 17 East Messenger Street, where they found the multi-story building fully engulfed in flames.
The building, a historic feed mill, housed Agonic Brewing Co, Cheese Louise Sandwiches, and Finewood Inc. as well as Kitchen and Flood Decor warehouse.
Rice Lake Fire Department Captain Jeff Frank said as they began to fight the fire, the wind continued to make it grow. He said downed powerlines and a broken natural gas line also hampered efforts.
The fire spread to grass and a fence, as well as flower beds a block away, Frank said. Crews got water from hydrants and a water shuttle but also had to …