La Crosse Fire Crews Quickly Contain Structure Fire on Copeland Avenue

Published on August 21, 2026

The City of La Crosse Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a commercial space in the 300 block of Copeland Avenue on August 20 just after 7 PM.

Bystanders called 911 after noticing smoke coming from the building. La Crosse Fire Department crews arrived approximately four minutes after being dispatched. While en route, crews were able to see smoke coming from the building and immediately begin evaluating the conditions and planning their approach before arriving on scene.

Crews quickly entered the building using forcible entry. Conditions inside included heavy smoke with no visibility and significant heat. Firefighters conducted an extensive search of the building while simultaneously working to locate and extinguish the fire. Water was applied to the fire in approximately three minutes of crews arriving on scene, and the fire was brought under control shortly afterward.

Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time of the fire, and there were no reported injuries.

Firefighters remained on scene while fire investigators conducted a thorough examination of the building before crews began additional cleanup operations. The building sustained major damage, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Fire crews were assisted by the La Crosse Police Department, Tri-State Ambulance, Xcel Energy, and La Crosse County 911 Dispatchers.

The La Crosse Fire Department would like to thank the bystanders who recognized the smoke and promptly called 911. Early notification, combined with a rapid response and coordinated work by responding crews and partner agencies, ensured firefighters quickly located and contained the fire.

Photo Credit: Connor Johnson