WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A gas explosion displaced a number of residents at a Waupaca apartment building on Saturday.
Just after 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, the Wauapaca Fire Department responded to a gas leak call.
Waupaca Fire Department Captain Steve Fenske said the fire led to damage on the right side of the Countryside Estates Apartment building on Wisconsin Street.
It was caused by a snow plow that hit a gas meter.
There are eight apartments inside, and all eight residents were home when the plow hit the meter.
“Nobody was trapped inside. Everybody was gotten out right away. There was somebody on scene, a private citizen that was helping evacuation and got them out,” said Fenske .”So between local law enforcement and a private citizen nearby, they got them out before the explosion.”
Adding there were no injuries to anyone involved and the gas line was shut off.
Fenske says early indications after talking with We Energy shows gas got into the building’s utility room.
That’s where a furnace and water heater were located, prompting the explosion.
The focus is now on getting those displaced by the fire into other housing.
“The building will be uninhabitable for a good few days to a week maybe,” said Fenske. “We’re working with our Waupaca County Department of Health Services and local Red Cross volunteers to get them residency right now.”
As for the residents, they were allowed back in later that afternoon with law enforcement to obtain any personal belongings.
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