Oct. 7, 2025
GREENFIELD, Wis. — A La Crosse man has been arrested and a woman referred for charges in connection with an Oct. 1 fire that destroyed one mobile home and damaged three others at Brookview Mobile Home Park.
John J. Galster, 61, was arrested Oct. 4 on four counts of arson of a building without the owner’s consent. Tabithe S. Mabb, 48, was referred to the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office on four counts of party to the crime of arson.
The fire, reported at 6:43 a.m. at W4300 County Road M, lot 41, prompted a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) response involving 10 fire departments and lasting nearly 10 hours. The Town of Shelby Fire Department led the response, with assistance from:
- La Crosse City Fire Department
- Holmen Area Fire Department
- Onalaska Fire Department
- West Salem Fire Department
- Bangor-Burns Fire Department
- Westby-Christiana Fire Department
- Viroqua Fire Department
- Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department
- Farmington Fire Department
- Coon Valley Fire Department
Crews from Shelby remained on scene until approximately 4:45 p.m. The American Red Cross provided support to displaced residents.
One mobile home was a total loss. The home to the west sustained severe structural damage, while the home to the east suffered moderate exterior damage but remains inhabitable. Nearby residences experienced minor heat damage.
The La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin DOJ Criminal Investigation Unit, ATF, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are leading the investigation.
Add comment