Total loss: Large fire damages parts of Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center

OCONOMOWOC -- Smoke and flames could be seen for miles, and explosions were heard coming from the scene of a massive fire at a landscaping company in Oconomowoc early Wednesday, June 22nd.

Firefighters were called out to Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center near Highway 67 and County Trunk K in Oconomowoc around 3:30 a.m.

A neighbor told FOX6 News she heard multiple explosions around 3:00 a.m.

"This is obviously a landscape company and had fertilizer, gasoline and fuel -- so once the fire extended into the fuel storage area, we did have several explosions," Dousman Fire Chief Brad Bowen said.

Fire at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center

Officials with the Oconomowoc Fire Department say the showroom, offices and repair garage at the facility were found to be on fire. The greenhouses were still standing after this fire. That's where Oconomowoc's Winter Farmers Market is held.

Units from Oconomowoc, Ashippun, Dousman and numerous other departments fought the fire.

More than 200,000 gallons of water had to be trucked to the scene due to a lack of hydrants in the area.

Fire at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center

"We called the fire trucks, water tenders. They`re our water on wheels," Chief Bowen said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No one was hurt. A damage estimate hasn't been released -- but fire officials say the building is a total loss.

The community is now stepping up, trying to do whatever they can to help the business owner and employees.

Employees on Wednesday morning stood helpless next to the pile of rubble that once was the showroom, offices and a repair garage at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center.

"It`s a whole lifetime for him, for Terry, the owner, and his kids. We`re going to try to do something, because it's hard to let the (customers) down. They`re expecting their stuff," Neil Reimer said.

"We have had a few phone calls looking to see if they're still open -- which they are," Michelle Shaw said at a church across the street from the landscaping company. "They come take care of our snow removal in the winter and they provide us with the mulch and landscaping to get ready for things in the summer."

Shaw said she hopes the community can now be there for Terry, the company's owner.

"He`s always been about the community and helping it," Shaw said.

FOX6 News was told Wednesday competitors even called the company to see how they can help.

Fire at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center