While most reports of recent storm damage centered on Iron and Ashland County's to our west, Vilas County also received over one quarter million dollars in damage according the Vilas County emergency government director Jim Galloway.
“We had 42 calls for service for community fire departments and 10 ambulance or first responder calls,” Galloway said. “Most fire department calls were for power lines that were downed by trees.”
Galloway indicated most damage was in a northwest to southeast direction from Winchester-Presque Isle area toward Conover.
“We know there were 13 structures damaged by fallen trees with one or two receiving very severe damage. One tree in Conover broke through the roof ridge. I visited 12 homes and estimated the damage at $267,130.”
Galloway had high praise for fire department staff that worked opening roads with town crews also doing an outstanding job.
“One area at Highways M & B going into the natural lakes area took over two hours to clear some very large trees for a quarter mile,” Galloway said. “I expect more reports as second home owners arrive who may have been notified by neighbors about damage.”
Galloway said Vilas County and our municipalities are eligible for mitigation funds through he federal flood insurance program. It's a long process but opens the door to the funding under a Presidential disaster declaration.
