Clark County Fire Ruled Undetermined

CURTISS - The Wisconsin Department of Justice State Fire Marshal's Office and the Clark County Sheriff's Office announced this afternoon that the fire at W2026 State Highway 29, in the Township of Mayville, Clark County has been ruled Undetermined. The investigation has further determined that there is no reason to believe a crime has been committed.

The deceased has been identified as Michael G. Schindler of Curtiss.

The fire was initially reported on Monday, April 19 at approximately 3:43 P.M. Fire crews reported that the approximately 38' by 254' barn structure was fully engulfed with fire and smoke upon arrival at the scene.  The structure was totally destroyed as a result of this fire incident.

During the fire suppression effort, fire crews discovered the body of one victim, at which point the Clark County Coroner Richard Schleifer was dispatched to respond to the fire scene.

The Clark County Sheriff's Department contacted the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), State Fire Marshal's Office to request assistance with the fire scene examination and the determination of the origin and cause of the fire incident. State law calls for the State Fire Marshal to respond to fatal fire incidents.

This is a joint release being issued by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Questions should be directed to Chief Deputy Jim Backus of the Clark County Sheriff's Office at (715) 743-3157.