GREEN LAKE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A 700-800-acre wildfire in Green Lake County is 100% contained, the DNR confirms.
The Big Island Fire broke out in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area around 4:15 p.m. Monday.
The DNR says the fire ran north due to heavy south winds.
It burned primarily in cattails and marsh grass.
Six homes were evacuated and saved, and approximately 12 outbuildings were saved. No structures were lost and there were no reported injuries.
As the sun came up over Green Lake County Tuesday, there was lots of charred ground in an area near Berlin.
In total, 13 fire departments responded, as well as the Berlin ambulance service, Green Lake Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, multiple DNR wardens and numerous DNR forestry fire control resources and a DNR patrol plane.
Officials are trying to figure out what caused the fire.
On Tuesday, fire crews will be working with heavy equipment in the area of the fire to make sure there are no active flames. There will also be road closures, such as County Highway D. People are asked to avoid these areas and allow crews to continue their work to prevent any sort of flare up.
No prescribed burns were taking place in the area when the blaze began.
Spring is wildfire season in Wisconsin. No matter the weather, the DNR urges the public to always check fire danger before conducting outdoor burning activities.
