Three fire departments join forces on Schroeder fire

At 7:50 p.m., on Monday, March 25, a neighbor reported smoke coming out of the top of the garage at 165 Skou Rd in Schroeder, to Cook County’s 911 dispatch.
 
Schroeder, Tofte and Lutsen Fire Departments and First Responders along with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and North Shore Health Ambulance responded.
 
Upon arrival, responders noted heavy smoke and crackling fire on the south side of the structure. By 10:32 p.m., flame had spread to the garage ceiling.
 
At 9:28 p.m., Firefighters had the fire knocked down and were putting out hot spots; however, at 9:40 pm, flames re-ignited on the roof. Firefighters were able to totally suppress the fire and were in mop-up mode by 10:43 pm.
 
No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were sustained. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is under investigation.
 
WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with one of the firefighters, Craig Horak of Tofte, about the challenges for the three departments in extinguishing the blaze and saving the home.