On Sunday, February 23, 2003, at 3:40 a.m., the Town of Beloit Fire Department, with automatic aid from Town of Turtle Fire Department, was dispatched to a commercial fire at 749 Philhower Road.
The initial 9-1-1 call into Rock County Communications Center came from resident in a subdivision approximately 1 mile to the south of the fire reporting smoke conditions in his neighborhood. Responding units visually could see smoke and flames in the sky. Enroute, Chief Holomy called for a MABAS Box 20-22 bringing equipment from Clinton, Orfordville, City of Beloit, South Beloit, Evansville, and Rockton Fire Departments (department are from both WI and IL).
The commercial building was in a rural setting requiring water to be tankered in. Upon arrival of the first engine, the report was the building was fully involved with exposures of two large storage buildings to the north. Upon arrival, Chief Holomy called for 2nd alarm bringing equipment from Janesville, Footville, Cherry Valley, Harlem-Roscoe, and North Park Fire Departments.
The temperature during the fire was 8 degrees with winds out of the north. The building had a number of propane, acetylene, and oxygen tanks which are used in its operation. One section of the building was an auto repair facility and the other section was a kitchen equipment distribution center.
One firefighter was injured when he fell on ice. He was treated and released from Beloit Memorial Hospital. Investigators will continue to search through the rubble. The building is a total loss estimated at approximately $500,000.00.
