Fire destroys building downtown Osceola, home to Red Bird Music Store

“When I arrived on scene there were two young men standing outside the building,” he said. “The witnesses said they noticed that a kitchenette in the back of the building was engulfed in flames and got out.” 

Elfstrom said that no one was hurt and crews had the fire contained to Red Bird Music Store by 7 p.m.

“It was one of those fires that was hard to fight,” he explained. 

“We had to approach it from a couple different stages. First, we entered from the back of the building but noticed the fire had progressed. The flames had reached the mezzanine on the second floor and there were burning cinders in the rafters. 

“So, we backed up, shut the door and regrouped…We set up an aerial approach with our ladder truck and reinitiated the process…J&S General Contractors were called into excavate. They had to tear down part of the building and roof.”

Elfstrom said that the Natural Heritage Art Center, which has an adjoining wall to Red Bird Music, “sustained a significant amount of smoke and water damage.” 

“We fought really hard to contain the fire to Red Bird Music…we wanted to save the structure of the Natural Heritage Center and keep the building as safe and sound as possible…What was both problematic and fortunate is that the adjoining wall is old and made of red clay brick, so it took a lot of heat, but fortunately for us it also helped to contain the fire.”

The cause of the fire is undetermined. Elfstrom said his best guess is that the fire was started by an appliance in the kitchenette.

By Thursday night, Red Bird Music Store posted a message to Facebook that read, “Yikes, what a day! I think that the Red Bird is done for. We will see. I am alright but Beavis the cat is gone, Thanks friends…I have a lot to do so you may not hear much for a while.”

Bob Brace, owner of the store, also posted a message saying, “The Red Bird Music Store had a fire, probably a complete loss. Man, it was fun while it lasted.” 

In a separate Facebook message, Jessica Turtle, owner of the Natural Heritage Art Center, said, “I don’t have words, except that I am grateful no one was hurt and for the incredible team of folks working tirelessly to put the fire out. We won’t know the extent of the damage until we are cleared for entry. My heart is shattered, we worked so hard for this. Thank you to all those who have been sending messages of love and support.”

Since the fire occurred, there has been a groundswell of support from the community. Facebook messages have received over 200 reactions and 100 comments.

Jessi Kruger, Executive Director for Osceola Chamber and MainStreet, said the Wisconsin MainStreet organization from Madison is, “extending their condolences on the devastating event from last night and have forwarded information with resources to assist relief efforts.”

Kruger is currently gathering a team of people in the community that want to help with relief efforts and is working toward setting up account at Hiawatha National Bank for a fire-relief fund that people can donate to. More details will be made available. 

Fire Chief Paul Elfstrom noted, “If you see fire – get out of the building…Property can be replaced, people can’t be…Get out and try to get everyone else out,” he said. 

The Sun will continue to follow developments and provide updates in our print edition next week.