Green Lake County wildfire burns 750 acres, investigation underway
The 750-acre Big Island Fire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County (Courtesy: Wisconsin DNR)
GREEN LAKE COUNTY, Wis. - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fire crews and local agencies on Monday responded a wildfire in Green Lake County. After burning roughly 750 acres, it was 100% contained around midnight.
What we know:
The Big Island Fire broke out in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area around 4:30 p.m. on Monday. It burned on both state and private land, primarily cattails and marsh grass.
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Firefighters stayed at the scene overnight and into Tuesday morning to ensure containment. They are now focused on mop-up; there are no flames, but there is still smoke.
As of 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, six homes were evacuated and saved and a dozen outbuildings were saved. No structures were lost.
Aftermath of Green Lake County wildfire (Courtesy: WLUK-TV)
In total, 13 fire departments responded. The Berlin ambulance service, Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and multiple DNR crews responded.
What we don't know:
The fire is under investigation. The Wisconsin DNR said no department or private-approved prescribed burn was in the area at the start of the fire.
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In a Facebook post hours before the fire started, the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office said fire danger was "very high" and burning would not be allowed due to fire weather conditions.
What you can do:
The DNR urges the public to check fire danger before conducting outdoor burning activities.
For the most current fire situation and evacuation information, check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.
The Source: Information in this report is from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.