We Energies workers fight house fire

Photo courtesy of Sarah Greening

Troubleshooter Randy Willms and troubleshooter in training Bill Becker were coming back to the Racine Service Center after a routine job when they noticed something that wasn’t quite the routine. Black smoke was billowing in the air.

They headed towards the smoke and discovered a house fire. The home was just a half mile from the Racine Service Center. Springing into action, they used garden hoses from neighboring houses to subdue the flames. Willms said the fire was attacking the fence and making its way up to the house.

The South Shore Fire Department arrived a short time later and extinguished the fire.

“The quick thinking of the We Energies employees slowed the fire, and prevented it from spreading to the attic,” said South Shore Fire Department Division Chief Mark Pierce.

Willms and Becker also supported the situation by turning off the electric service to the home.

Willms said that he just felt the need to jump into action.

“I would do the same thing for my own neighbor,” Willms said.