Farmers in the Sauk Prairie area said they hoped the fire-damaged McFarlane's store rebuilds soon, even as the cause of the fire may never be known.

The state Fire Marshal's office has finished its investigation and wasn't able to prove the fire's cause with an acceptable level of certainty, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Criminal Investigation.

The blaze destroyed McFarlane's True Value hardware store, but spared the company's tire, equipment and rental businesses, allowing owner John McFarlane to consider moving them to a temporary location.

"We're devastated by the loss, but it's just inventory," said McFarlane, a third-generation owner. "It can be replaced, and it will be replaced. That's our plan."

McFarlane said he was thankful no one was hurt in the fire, and said he was in the process of getting a temporary facility on U.S. Highway 12.

State investigators have turned over the scene to the insurance company.

The state fire marshal is investigating after fire damaged a Sauk City hardware store Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Fifteen fire departments were called to help fight the fire at True Value and McFarlane Manufacturing on South Water Street starting at about 11 p.m. Monday.

Firefighters told News 3 they tried to fight the fire inside the building but had to get out after a partial roof collapse. Fire officials were also concerned about the possibility of an explosion because of chemicals on the property.

The fire was declared under control around 4:00 am but crews are still dealing with hot spots, according to a release.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

John McFarlane, president of McFarlane Manufacturing Company said he's blown away by the support the business has received from the community.

On the same day Gov. Scott Walker toured the area ravaged by a wildfire, residents were let back into their homes.

The Department of Natural Resources said the Douglas County fire destroyed 17 homes there and in Bayfield County, including 30 other structures.

New Freedom native Jodie Robertson said the fire came within a half-mile of her home. Her cousin and husband weren?t so lucky.

"They lost everything," Robertson said. "I heard she was at Walmart to get prescriptions refilled, look for basics, clothes, because they didn?t even have that when they left."

The couple will stay at Robertson?s cabin on Look Lake until they can recover from the fire that?s being called the worst in Northern Wisconsin in years.

"This is a historic event for Wisconsin, certainly," said Wildfire Prevention Specialist Catherine Koele. "(It?s) probably one of the biggest fires we?ve had in 33 years, so it?ll definitely go down in the record books."