Now that the investigation by the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall is completed and cause determined and the Police and Fire Department reports are filed, the Insurance Adjuster and the Shelter's Insurance Agent are involved and so many questions start to arise also.
Fortunately, WCAHS did have insurance coverage; however, will this coverage pay for the present building to be demolished and a new building in the existing location be built, or will an attempt to save what is left of this building be feasible, or will there be an option to renovate a vacant, conveniently located building, or would a new building in a different location be the answer. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance money will not cover any of these options and the added interior replacement costs.
This severely damaged 17-year old building has suffered wear and tear over the years and a fund had already been established to start financing an addition and remodeling to better accommodate the needs of the animals and growing needs of the shelter. It has become quite evident that many features such as a sprinkler system and smoke alarm that notifies when a fire is sensed and cameras viewed remotely would be a good investment. Because this type of fire prevention was not a feature in the existing building, the cost of adding it would not be covered by insurance in the rebuilding. A receiving/isolation room with a separate ventilation system has always been a need and concern and was to be a part of the remodeling plan prior to the fire, which also would not be covered under insurance.
Beside the structural costs, the basic needs, also very costly but necessary, will be a water heater, heavy-duty washer and dryer, freezer, refrigerator, microscope, scale, cat kennels, office furniture, computers, printers/fax, and office supplies. The upcoming added expenses not included in insurance coverage, will be the cost of transporting animals to other shelters, replacement of donated or purchased food/treats, licensing requirements and inspection fees. An inventory of salvageable items will, of course, be done but the amount of smoke damage will probably eliminate the use of this inventory.
The list of expenses involved in rebuilding this animal shelter is overwhelming, so fundraising and ongoing support from caring and generous individuals will be very important to the success of putting the WCAHS Animal Shelter back in place. Donations may continue to be made online through the WCAHS GoFundMe account on the shelter website, www.wcahs.com, a check or cash may be dropped off at the Spooner Veterinary Clinic, or a check may be mailed to WCAHS, 1400 Cottonwood Avenue, Spooner, WI 54801. Also, attendance at upcoming fundraisers planned for the WCAHS fire fund will be greatly appreciate.
**Previous Post**
Update: Nearly $10,000 Donated So Far to the Washburn County Humane Society
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 | Submitted
Update on the donations received for the Humane Society Fire:
"The WCAHS has not received any snail-mail yet since the fire, as we’ve had our mail forwarded, so it had to all go back to Mpls and then will come back to Spooner, probably Friday. Some people have personally told me they were mailing checks, so I expect our totals will be going up.
"So far 118 people have donated a total of $9578 through our website, Go Fund Me campaign, or dropped off at Spooner Vet. Most donations are from MN & WI, but we have received donations from Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, Texas, Indiana & Florida. We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of both our local community and animal lovers far and wide."
**Previous Post**
Authorities: Fire at Humane Society Ruled Accidental
Monday, March 20, 2017 | Press Release
On March 16, 2017, at about 12:58 AM, the Spooner Fire Department was dispatched to the Washburn County Area Humane Society, for a structure fire, at 1400 Cottonwood Ave.
Spooner Police Department, Washburn County Deputies, and good samaritans were able to remove 2 dogs from the building.
Spooner Fire Department arrived on scene and began to attack the fire and were able to remove a number of cats from the building. The fire was extinguished and scene was secured by the Spooner Police Department.
On scene investigation was performed by the Wisconsin State Fire Marshals and insurance company's investigator and it was determined the cause of the fire was accidental and no criminal or suspicious acitivites were determined.
The cause of the fire is suspected to have been from a plastic cigarette butt receptacle, located next to the building.
Spooner Fire Chief, Darren Vik
Spooner Police Chief, Jerry Christman
**Previous Post**
Washburn County Area Humane Society Damaged After Overnight Fire
Thursday, March 16, 2017 | by Ben Dryden
[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
[Images & Video courtesy of Austin S.]
Last Update: Mar 24, 2017 10:40 pm CDT
