DATE: DECEMBER 29, 2025
CASE: STRUCTURE FIRE (25-46716)
AUTHORITY: LT. RYAN HERMAN

On Monday, December 29, 2025, at 9:10am the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a detached garage on fire, on St. Killian Drive in the Town of Wayne. The homeowners were on scene attempting to extinguish the fire with the use of a water hose. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and arrived at 9:17am. On first arrival, a large pile of firewood under the shed overhang and near the outdoor woodstove, was fully engulfed, with the flames entering the rafters/attic of the shed. Prior to fire personnel arriving on scene, the homeowners and Sheriff’s Office deputies removed personal property from the shed.

The Kohlsville Fire Department quickly responded and requested additional resources from the following departments: West Bend, Kewaskum, Allenton, St. Lawrence, Slinger, Theresa, Lomira and Lifestar Rescue. Additionally, the Town of Wayne and Washington County Highway department kept St. Killian Road free of snow and ice for fire/rescue vehicles. The fire was quickly extinguished with no reported injury to any involved.

Investigation as to the cause of the fire found nothing suspicious. It is believed a hot ember from the nearby woodstove or hot ash from the storage containers was blown into the pile of wood, ultimately igniting at some point. The 60’ x 60’ shed suffered significant damage because of the fire. A secondary heat source was available for the residence; therefore, Red Cross was not contacted. As a matter of morning routine, the homeowner was checking on the stove when the pile of wood was first observed on fire. This observation prompted the immediate ‘911’ call to the Sheriff’s Office and their effort to extinguish the flames.