Hewitt Man Suffers Burns After Explosion in Syrup Shack

Monday, March 9th, 2026 -- 1:00 PM

(Karen Madden, Wausau Daily Herald) A 59-year-old Hewitt man suffered burns March 5 after an explosion in his syrup shack.

According to Karen Madden with the Wausau Daily Herald, at 3:59 p.m. March 5, a caller reported a syrup shack exploded in the 170200 block of County Line Road in the Marathon County town of Hewitt, according to a news release from the Marathon County Sheriff's Office.

When they arrived, deputies found a 59-year-old Hewitt man suffering from burns. An ambulance took him to a local hospital for treatment, according to the news release.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, according to the news release. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is reminding the public that propane leaks in sheds, garages, barns and other outbuildings can quickly become dangerous, if gas accumulates and is ignited.

To help prevent fires and explosions, residents should have propane systems installed and serviced by qualified professionals, inspect equipment regularly for damage, store propane cylinders upright and outside.

Keep ignition sources and flammable materials away from propane heaters, and use the heaters only as intended. If a propane leak is suspected, leave the building immediately and do not operate lights switches, phones or equipment inside.

Call 911 or the propane supplier from a safe location, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.