Easter Sunday 1994

The Easter Sunday Fire was reported in Eau Claire County near August, Wisconsin at 1400 on April 3, 1994. Initial attack began on the left flank and head of the fire, which was burning in grass with oak on ridges within the fire area. An engine attack engine began disabled before reaching the fireline, and firefighters proceeded on foot with backpack pumps. A wind gust fanned the flames from 1-2 feet in length to 20-25 feet. Firefighter Robert Waskiewicz fell as he retreated from the advancing flaming front with the other firefighters and some local residents who were assisting in suppression. Waskiewicz was wearing turnout gear (coat, helmet and boots), but received 3rd degree burns over 50% of his body as the fire burned over him. He lived for 15 days following the entrapment, but ultimately succumbed to injuries resulting from his inhalation of super-heated gases.