January 29, 2026 – Fond du Lac Co., Wi – On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a loud explosion at N3879 Center Road in the Town of Waupun, Fond du Lac County. Callers reported the explosion may have originated from a wood burner located on the property.
Deputies with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Waupun Fire Department, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, a 12-foot by 30-foot shed containing the wood burner was found to be fully engulfed in flames.
Due to the severity of the fire and the threat it posed to an attached barn, additional emergency resources were requested.
The following agencies assisted at the scene: Alto Fire Department, Brandon-Fairwater Fire Department, Brownsville Fire Company, Burnett Fire Department, Kekoskee Fire Department, Lamartine Fire Department, Lifestar Ambulance, Markesan Fire Department, Oakfield Fire Department, Ripon Ambulance, Ripon Area Fire District, Rosendale Fire Department, and the Town of Fond du Lac Fire Department.
The fire was ultimately extinguished. The shed housing the wood burner was deemed a total loss, along with the farm equipment stored inside. The attached barn sustained exterior damage.
Although the residence did not sustain direct fire damage, it was impacted due to the wood burner being the sole source of heat for the home. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance, and the family was displaced as a result of the incident.
No injuries were reported by civilians or emergency personnel.
Additional assistance was provided by the Fond du Lac County Highway Department, the Town of Waupun, and the Waupun Police Department.
Preliminary investigation indicates the explosion was likely caused by a malfunction of the wood burner, which led to the shed fire. The incident is not considered suspicious; however, it remains under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
