The Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Department (WSVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire on State Ave just north of Main Street at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.
WSVFD training officer Eric Schroeder said that when the first crew of firefighters arrived on scene, the garage and pickup truck parked in the driveway were completely engulfed in flames.
“At first we thought it was only the garage and pickup but we quickly realized the southwest side of the house was also completely engulfed,” Schroeder explained. “Unfortunately it had already spread into the house when we arrived. Upon this discovery we called Woonsocket and Alpena Fire Departments for mutual aid.”
The owner and occupant of the house, Jamie Linn wasn’t at home when fire broke out.
“I had left to go to the bank, get gas, stopped at Dollar General then I heard the fire whistle and thought it was a grass fire,” Linn said. “I continued to drive out of town to go do a mowing job in Kimball then I got the phone call. When I got there and saw the house I couldn’t believe it. I lost everything.”
Linn explained that along with his home and all of his belongings, his two cats perished in the fire. He said that friends have launched several GoFundMe pages to help him get back on his feet. In the meantime, he said he will be staying in a camper in Woonsocket and will do the best he can to continue to serve his mowing business clients.
Temperatures in the 90s and excessive smoke from the fire ended up sending three firemen to the hospital to be treated for heat and smoke exposure. Thankfully, they all fully recovered and were released the same day.
Schroeder advised community members that the site is dangerous and to remain clear of it until rubble and debris from the fire can be hauled off and disposed of in the near future.
He also expressed gratitude to the community.
“We want to thank all of the community members that came out and brought us water, Gatorade and insect repellent. That kind of support helps us do the job the community expects of us.”