Fire crews from eleven municipalities fought a fire at SV Pallet in Richfield, Wisconsin, for more than 9 hours before the fire was extinguished. The building was considered a loss, but no injuries were reported.

On March 14, 2025, just before 4:00 a.m., Richfield Rural Fire Department was dispatched to SV Pallet at 8128 State Highway 80 for a report of flames coming from the business. At 4:06 a.m., commanders on the scene requested a MABAS Box Alarm (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) for more resources.

"Upon arrival," according to Fire Chief Josh Sabo of the Richfield Rural Fire Department, "we found heavy fire coming from the north manufacturing building that was approximately 60 foot x 200 foot in size. The building was fully involved, and after confirming that no one was in the building a defensive attack was initiated. At 4:37 a.m., the fire was upgraded to a MABAS 2nd Alarm to bring in more resources. 

The manufacturing facility with heavy fire load created challenges for extinguishment. It is estimated that more than 300,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire. The fire crews were able to stop the fire from entering the attached 60-foot x 120-foot warehouse of the building that was full of pallets. Due to the wind and dry vegetation, multiple small grass fires were created by blowing embers. Agencies were on scene until 1:25 p.m. There were no injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

SV Pallet designs pallets in many sizes and styles, and they deliver to customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa.

Richfield Rural Fire Department was assisted by the following fire departments: Arpin, Cameron, Hewitt, Auburndale, Lincoln, Marshfield, Pittsville, Rock, Stratford, Vesper, and Wood County Central RIT. We were also assisted on scene by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wood County Highway Department, Doine Excavating, and Alliant Energy.