Malfunctioning Wood Burner Likely Cause of Shed Fire in Fond du Lac

No injuries reported as crews battle blaze that damaged shed and machinery

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Authorities in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin say a malfunctioning wood burner is the likely cause of a fire that caused significant damage to a 20-foot by 60-foot shed and multiple pieces of machinery inside. Firefighters from several local departments responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze without any injuries, though the shed and equipment sustained heavy damage.

Why it matters

Shed and machinery fires can pose serious risks to nearby structures and property, underscoring the importance of proper maintenance and safety precautions when using wood-burning equipment, especially in rural areas with many outbuildings and flammable materials nearby.

The details

According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office, deputies and firefighters from the Eden Fire Department responded on Tuesday to a report of smoke billowing from a machine shed on Highway 45. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke coming from the 20x60 foot shed. Additional fire crews from nearby departments were called in to help extinguish the blaze, which caused significant damage to the shed and multiple pieces of machinery inside. Officials say the fire is believed to have started from a malfunctioning wood burner and is not considered suspicious.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the cause of the shed fire.

Eden Fire Department

The first responding fire department that arrived on the scene to battle the blaze.

Campbellsport Fire and Ambulance, Mt. Calvary Fire, Town of Fond du Lac Fire, and RIT4

Additional fire departments that provided mutual aid and assistance in extinguishing the fire.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper maintenance and safety precautions when using wood-burning equipment, especially in rural areas with many outbuildings and flammable materials nearby. The quick response and coordination of multiple fire departments helped prevent the fire from spreading further and causing even more damage.