02/15/2026
On the evening of February 14, Woodgate Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire On Bear Creek Road in Woodgate.
Woodgate’s first arriving member on the scene reported that there was a fire under the residence in a crawlspace. Smoke and flames were visible from the exterior of the home. The quick action of the homeowner’s children gave immediate access to the crawlspace and allowed for rapid fire suppression. Ironically, the three children of the homeowner, one was a volunteer firefighter with Woodgate , one with Barneveld Vol. Fire Dept, and the third is a police chief. They happen to be in woodgate going to a private ceremony when the fire call came in. They all responded to the fire scene to help. Fire investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a Reddy heater being utilized to thaw out frozen waterlines under the residence and was too close to flammable material . The heater with open flame ignited flammable components of the crawlspace and of the house.
Woodgate volunteer fire department responded to the scene with an engine, and the fire was quickly extinguished, using a hand line.
As part of our protocol, our automatic, mutual aid companies consisted of Forestport Fire department, Otter lake fire department, and Stittville fire department.
Forestport Fire department responded and established a full site to fill tankers to supply water for the fire suppression. Otter Lake fire department responded directly to the scene as requested and provided initial and follow up fire attack assistance. Stittville fire company was returned to service as no interior fire attack was going to take place.
We are very grateful to have such a wonderful working relationship with our neighboring fire companies. We have such talented and experienced professional volunteer firefighters that bring the utmost credibility to the name of volunteer firefighter as well as expertise and knowledge in doing fire suppression and investigation.
Unfortunately, the homeowner in this instance was displaced from the home due to electrical concerns which are being handled through a third-party.
Again, thank you for all who responded and assisted at this fire scene. The fire was extinguished rapidly due to the efforts of all involved. 

