The Appleton Fire Department released a statement today saying they were dispatched to a fire at the Epiphany-Rose building around noon today for a report of smoke in the building.
According to statements by workers at Kerber-Rose Certified Public Accounts, located in Suite B, they had noted that a bank of electrical lights had stopped functioning. After investigating and finding no reason for the failure, the individuals continued with their work. A couple hours later, another bank of electrical lights also failed. One of the workers then heard a “crackling and popping” sound in the ceiling above his work station. Shortly after that, smoke was seen coming from the ceiling area and the fire sprinkler system activated.
Upon arrival of fire units, smoke was found throughout the Suite. Upon investigation, a fire was found burning in the attic. Automatic fire sprinklers and a fire wall in the attic prevented the fire from spreading to the Epiphany Law Office, located in Suite A. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire but due to the blown insulation in the attic, fire crews remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished. Fire crews also assisted in removing numerous items from the interior of Suite to prevent further damage.
No one was injured at the fire. Initial estimates are that the fire damage was at least $150,000.
The Appleton Fire Department credits the automatic fire sprinkler system for keeping the fire from spreading further.
