High Fire Danger Persists in Wisconsin as Crews Fight Cecil Blaze

You can never underestimate the potential danger of wildfires, especially in hot, dry, and windy conditions. With elevated fire danger concerns across Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging the public to avoid outdoor burning to prevent further incidents. Just in one day alone, the DNR responded to over 35 wildfires, emphasizing the urgent need for caution and awareness.

“Hot, dry, and windy – that’s always a recipe for disaster,” remarked DNR Forester Ranger Garrett Lubbers, highlighting the volatile combination of factors that fuel wildfires. The recent weekend saw a surge in fire incidents, with 37 different fires burning hundreds of acres of land across the state.

One significant blaze that captured attention was in Cecil, Shawano County, where a fire broke out on the north side of White Clay Lake. Fueled by the surrounding cattails and strong winds, the fire rapidly spread northeast, prompting an immediate response from multiple fire departments and the DNR.

Assistant Chief Dan Kowalczyk of the Cecil Washington Fire Department described the intense situation, “In a heartbeat, it didn’t take but a couple of minutes to go probably several hundred yards when she went up. Flames, probably burning through there that were, you know, 25 feet tall.” The fire posed a challenging task for crews, requiring careful coordination and strategic firefighting efforts to contain the blaze.

New Trucks and Bulldozers

With a bulldozer brought in by the DNR and additional fire trucks on standby, firefighters worked tirelessly to battle the flames. The rugged terrain and unpredictable nature of wildfires made the operation challenging, necessitating the use of UTVs and pickup trucks to shuttle water to the scene.

While the cause of the White Clay Lake fire remains unknown, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risk of wildfires during high fire danger conditions. Thankfully, no structures were damaged in the blaze, but the potential for devastating outcomes is a constant threat in such scenarios.

Given the ongoing high fire danger in Wisconsin, the DNR emphasizes the importance of refraining from outdoor burning, even when it may be legally permitted. “Even if it is legal to burn, in the evenings when it’s better conditions, generally if it’s windy and it’s dry – yeah you can burn but it’s probably not a safe idea to do so just because the risk of it getting out of control is kind of high,” Lubbers cautioned.

As firefighting crews continue to battle blazes like the one in Cecil, it’s crucial for the public to heed warnings and prioritize fire safety to prevent further incidents and protect communities and natural landscapes from the threat of wildfires.