POLK COUNTY, WI — An early-morning fire destroyed the UW Wanderoos Bar and Grill in Amery on Tuesday, January 28, 2026. It claimed the life of one individual following a medical event after escaping the building, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On 1-28-2026 at 2:30 AM, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Call Center received a report of a fire at the UW Wanderoos Bar and Grill located at 1629 70th Ave, Amery, WI, in south central Polk County. Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement responded to the fire.
The UW Wanderoos Bar and Grill has two apartments above the business. All Occupants escaped the fire; however, one of the occupants later suffered a medical event and died. The name of this victim will be released at a later time. The fire consumed the building and is believed to be a total loss.
This fire remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall, the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigations, the Polk County Medical Examiner, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Responding Fire Departments who battled this fire in subzero weather conditions were Allied, Amery, Osceola, Deer Park, Unity, Apple River, St Croix Falls, Clear Lake, Clayton, and New Richmond.
Northwestern Municipal EMS, the Red Cross, Dresser Village Crew, and the Polk County Highway Shop also responded to the scene to provide support.
— Per Sheriff Brent Waak
Last Update: Jan 28, 2026 3:08 pm CST
