Operations & Training

Brookfield, WI, Chief Describes Operation at Frozen Custard Shop Blaze

Nov. 21, 2024

"We tried everything we could valiantly to extinguish the fire and save the property, but it was too far gone by the time we got there," Brookfield Fire Chief John-Paul Schilling said.

Susan Nicol

Brookfield Fire Chief John-Paul Schilling said the fire that destroyed Oscar's Frozen Custard had a head start and was fanned by heavy wind.

"We tried everything we could valiantly to extinguish the fire and save the property, but it was too far gone by the time we got there," he told WISN.

"It was probably one of the larger fires we've had here in several years," he said.

The chief went on to explain: "They were up to code, however, when the building was built 30 years ago, the code didn't require them to have an automatic sprinkler system put in the building, and they did not have to have a monitored fire alarm. They did have a fire suppression system in their cooking area."

"If that fire would have started on the roof or in the void space, then no, the sprinkler system probably would not have helped."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.