DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Fire crews are finishing putting out the hot spots after a massive fire on the corner of Broadway and George Street in East De Pere, near Voyageur Park.
The fire broke out overnight at 100 South Broadway. It started in Ogan Restaurant. XO Fitness next door was also destroyed. The building is more than 100 years old.
There are businesses on the first floor and apartments on the second floor. Officials say more than 20 people have been displaced.
One firefighter suffered a leg injury.
De Pere Fire Chief Alan Matzke tells Fox 11, people need to avoid travel in downtown East De Pere this morning as this job is going to take several hours.
“This operation will last for the next 5-6 hours and we are drafting water out of the Fox River. So we’ve got three fire engines down at the river pumping water up the hill right now. Our water supply within the city is completely getting taxed from this particular operation. So we made the choice to start to draft water out of the river.”
Joe Gerrits, with the Red Cross, says they’re stepping up to the apartment residents displaced by the fire.
“In the form of monetary gift cards so they can get emergency food and clothing.”
The Red Cross is also offering counseling and planning for long term living arrangements.
Several small businesses in the building’s lower level were also destroyed, including a pilates studio run by Paula Kiley.
“Very sad, very sad…..but I’m glad no one was hurt.”
No word yet on how the fire started.
