Fire damages Maple Street residence, two displaced

A late-night fire on Rhinelander’s west side Monday has displaced two tenants.

According to the Rhinelander Fire Department, a call came in at 11:29 p.m. Dec. 4 reporting a structure fire at 529 Maple Street. 

“Rhinelander crews responded immediately and upon arriving on-scene reported flames showing from the side of the building,” Rhinelander Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour reported in a press release. “Rhinelander Fire Department was able to initiate a fire attack to the affected area of the structure and enter to initiate an interior operation. One of the tenants of the duplex was able to self-egress when the fire was discovered. The other tenant was not home at the time of the fire, and was quickly accounted for by Rhinelander PD.”

Crescent, Newbold, and Pine Lake Fire Departments were requested to assist via the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).

One resident was treated and released on the scene for smoke inhalation, but no further medical care was requested, Tonnancour noted.

Damage assessments are still being conducted by the fire department and city building inspections department.

The two residents have been displaced. The Red Cross is assisting one with temporary shelter while the other was able to stay at a relative’s house.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

In the release, the fire department thanked the Rhinelander Police Department, Newbold, Crescent, and Pine Lake Fire Departments, Rhinelander Streets Department, the Red Cross, WPS, Oneida County Dispatch, and Oneida County EMS, for their quick response to the scene and assistance to the affected residents.