It’s been less than a day since the flames were put out on a historic downtown Rice Lake building. Now, the owners and the community are coming together to help pick up the pieces.
RICE LAKE (WQOW) – It’s been less than a day since the flames were put out on a historic downtown Rice Lake building. Now, the owners and the community are coming together to help pick up the pieces.
On Thursday afternoon, flames broke out in a 100+ year old building that houses Agonic Brewing Company, Cheese Louise Sandwiches, and Finewood, Inc. The building also contained furniture store Kitchen and Floor Decor’s warehouse.
Related: Powerline, gas leak, and winds contribute to massive Rice Lake fire
While nobody inside the building was hurt, one firefighter injured their arm while battling the flames.
Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire. At the same time, business owners and the community are coming together to help rebuild.
“Still processing, a lot of sitting around,” Patrick Kelly, the owner of Cheese Louise Sandwiches told News 18. “I can finally get in there and feel like I’m doing something now, so it’s a little bit of a weight off my mind right now.”
Community members have also stepped up to help as the businesses start their recovery. Both Cheese Louise Sandwiches and Agonic Brewing Company plan to come back in the wake of the fire.
The Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce has set up two benefit funds at local banks Dairy State and Sterling for the victims. There is also a GoFundMe.
There will also be a benefit on November 16 to help the victims of the fire. It’s called ‘Hip Hop to Help: A Benefit for The Messenger Street Fire Victims.’ You can learn more about the event and its silent auction here.
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