Construction Equipment 'Fully Engulfed In Flames': Report

OAK CREEK, WI — Police in Oak Creek say a witness called them after hearing explosions and a piece of construction equipment engulfed in flames last week.

According to Oak Creek police call logs, a resident on the 8000 block of S. Wildwood Drive called police, saying that there was a fire on the construction site.

Police said officers and firefighters were dispatched to the scene at just after 2 a.m. on Aug. 21, and found that a Vibromax VM46D drum roller vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Police said firefighters were able to put the fire out without incident. Police said they spoke with the witness, who told them that he heard several firecracker-like sounds. When he looked out the window, he saw the machine on fire and nobody around.

According to police, officers spoke with a foreman with A. W. Oakes and Son out of Racine, who said that the machine had a leak and caught fire the previous day as well at about 3 p.m. They were able to put out the fire without help from the Oak Creek fire department, and told police they were able to leave the construction site because the construction equipment was "cold to the touch" prior to everyone leaving.

Authorities said the equipment was estimated to be $31,000 in value, and was covered by insurance.