[Editors Note: Updates posted below]
SPOONER WI - The Washburn County Area Humane Society (WCAHS) suffered major damage after an overnight fire, according to a WCAHS board member that spoke with DrydenWire.com early this morning.
The board member said the building has "major structural damage by back entryway and the roof is partially caved in".
No animals were hurt during the fire, according to the board member when she was at the scene at 3 A.M., however, it is has been confirmed later this morning from the board member that there were in fact fatalities (see update below).
The WCAHS will be closed indefinitely until a decision as to how to move forward is made by the board which is set to meet later this morning to review their options.
At this time, it is not known what caused the fire.
*UPDATE* #1
*UPDATE* #2
The Spooner Police Department has respectfully declined to comment at this time and stated that the incident is currently under investigation.
*UPDATE* #3
The WCAHS board has met and have contacted the Northwoods humane society in Hayward and they will be picking up the animals from the Spooner Vet later this morning and transferring them to Hayward where they will stay.
The board member with whom we spoke with earlier this morning also stated to DrydenWire.com a short time ago that a community member has already stopped by their location and graciously donated $4,000!! If you would like to help support the WCAHS, you can do so in 1 of the following ways:
- Go to the WCAHS website and click the donate button
- Mail a check (they can still receive mail) to the WCAHS at: 1400 cottonwood ave, Spooner, WI., 54801
- Donate via WCAHS Official GoFundMe page
*UPDATE* #4
We have now confirmed that there were animal fatalities. A board member stated to DrydenWire.com via text a short time ago that she was informed that "two cats perished and 1 cat is unaccounted for. Most animals were transferred to Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward, except 2 cats being held at Spooner Vet for observation"
*UPDATE* #5
*UPDATE* #6
At this time, no one is allowed into the building or onto the scene as it is still an active investigation. A WCAHS board member told DrydenWire.com tonight that after a preliminary assessment, it is possible that the building will not be repairable and that it "doesn't look promising".
However, on Friday, an independent investigator from the WCAHS insurance company is tentatively planned to be at the scene to look into this further, as well as starting the process to discover the possible cause of the fire; though that is not expected to be announced until the Spooner Police Department concludes their investigation.
No more updates will be posted to this page. Further updates will be posted on DrydenWire.com in a new post when warranted.
[Images & Video courtesy of Austin S.]
Last Update: Mar 17, 2017 10:26 am CDT
