Crawford County administrative building closed due to sprinkler malfunction, electrical damage

June 20, 2025

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – Crawford County notified the public overnight that their county administrative building is closed until further notice due to a sprinkler system malfunction that resulted in extensive damage to electrical systems.

A press release from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office states that at approximately 2 a.m. on June 19, the Crawford County Communications Center was made aware of a fire alarm (water flow alarm) at the Crawford County Administration Building. The fire department responded and ultimately found that a piece of fire suppression equipment malfunctioned causing a sprinkler head to activate. It was estimated this sprinkler head was malfunctioning for approximately 45 minutes which then triggered the alarm.

The Crawford County Maintenance Department arrived on scene at the same time as the Fire Department and began to assess the damage. According to the Sheriff’s Office the water damage began on the third floor of the building and water leaked through every floor and into the basement and damaged many electrical systems. Due to the current water damage, the Administration Building will be closed to the public until further notice.

In a separate email a number of county departments released temporary contact information that can be used by anyone who needs to do business with them during the closure.

· Human Services: 608-412-4277 · Health Department: 608-306-0984 or email publichealth@co.crawford.wi.gov

· Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 608-412-6704 or email ccadrc@co.crawford.wi.gov · Crawford County Child Support Agency: email csa@crawfordcountywi.org

· Land Conservation: call Travis at NRCS 608-326-7179 ext 101 or email dtroester@co.crawford.wi.gov · Zoning Department: email dtroester@co.crawford.wi.gov

· Crawford County Treasurer: Limited access, will respond to emails

These lines will be in use on Friday, June 20 and Monday, June 23, or until service is fully restored.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.