Roof fire at Jasper Engines quickly suppressed

Jasper firefighters responded to a small fire on the roof of Jasper Engines & Transmissions, 815 Wernsing Road, Sunday afternoon.

According to Chief Kenny Hochgesang, a security person at the main office noticed smoke in the building at about noon and called 9-1-1. When firefighters arrived, several entered the office area to attempt to locate the fire while a couple used the department’s ladder truck to access the roof.

Firefighters found the small fire contained to some heating blankets that are used to melt snow in an area where it tends to accumulate. According to Hochgesang, the blankets were folded and had a weight securing them from blowing off in the wind. When they were activated, they overheated and caught fire.

Firefighters were able to suppress the fire with handheld fire extinguishers from the building. According to Hochgesang, since the fire was found so quickly, they were able to prevent excessive damages to the building.

The Jasper Fire Department responded with five engines and 29 firefighters. They were on scene for about 45 minutes.

Damages to the blankets and a portion of the roof were estimated to be less than $2,000.