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Family taking donations after Embarrass fire

CN-CL-Fire1WEB-19011 CN-CL-Fire5WEB-190411 CN-CL-Fire3WEB-190411 Three firefighters control the hose in Embarrass on April 3. Jeff Hoffman photo CN-CL-Fire8WEB-190411 CN-CL-Fire7WEB-190411 CN-CL-Fire6WEB-190411
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Firefighters attack the house fire from multiple windows in Embarrass on April 3. Jeff Hoffman photo

Most of their possessions lost in April 3 blaze

By Erik Buchinger


An Embarrass family is accepting donations after a fire burned the majority of their possessions on April 3.

The fire occurred at the residence of 204 High St. in Embarrass, the home of Wayne and Margie Ziereis.

A firefighter smashes in the second floor window with an ax in Embarrass on April 3. Erik Buchinger photo

According to Embarrass Fire Department Chief John Ziereis, whose father is the cousin of Wayne’s father, donations of clothing and other items can be dropped off 70 Sixth St. in Clintonville. This is the residence of Penny Swinton, Wayne’s sister.

“They lost just about everything, so money donations would be greatly appreciated as well,” John Ziereis said.

John Ziereis said a few items were saved, and the family is working with an insurance company.

Crews arrived on scene around 4:45 p.m. and stayed until approximately 9 p.m.

John Ziereis said one of the residents came home, heard the fire alarms going off and called for help.

“No one was in the house at the time,” John Ziereis said. “He attempted to enter the house, but it was full of black smoke, so he backed out and called 911.”

John Ziereis said he believes the fire started on a load-bearing wall in the bedroom area.

“It was difficult,” John Ziereis said of putting out the fire. “It had been going for quite some time before the homeowner found it. It was going pretty strong when we arrived.”

A large flame shoots out the window after firefighters smashed in the windows to get to the fire. Jeff Hoffman photo

John Ziereis said the cause of the fire remains unknown and under investigation. He said it does not appear to be suspicious.

“It was going very well when we got there,” John Ziereis said. “We had to try to get it knocked down before entering the building and put the fire out. It had a pretty good head start.”

There was significant damage inside the house, John Ziereis said.

“The house is still handing but pretty much gutted,” John Ziereis said. “The fire was hottest in the main floor, and the upstairs sustained smoke heat damage as well.”

John Ziereis said everybody was safe and appreciated the help from local police departments.

“There were no injuries, so we’re happy to report that,” John Ziereis said. “We had help from the Clintonville and Marion fire departments. Both departments were a lot of help to us.

“It’s a tragic thing, but I’m glad nobody got hurt.”

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