91-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man said 911 was busy, drove to fire station and pulled alarm for help

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) --- A 91-year-old man believing his home was on fire early Monday morning drove to the fire department for help.

Capt. Bob Barteck said the man said he called 911, but got a busy signal.

That's when the man drove to the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department around 2:45 a.m. Barteck said the man was in the breezeway of the building and wasn't sure how to hail firefighters, so he pulled the fire alarm. Firefighters found the man while trying to find the source of what they believed was a fire at their station.

Barteck said police and firefighters went to the man's house on 17th Street S. in Wisconsin Rapids. In the basement was a fuel oil furnace that malfunctioned, filling the home with smoke. The furnace was shut down and crews ventilated the home with large fans.

The man was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation.

Share this article: