CECIL, WI- Persistent fire hazards remain a pressing issue throughout Wisconsin, prompting the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to urge the public to avoid outdoor burning activities. Responding to over 35 wildfires within a single day, and witnessing additional incidents over the weekend, including a significant blaze in Shawano County on Sunday, underscores the severity of the situation.
Saturday witnessed 37 separate fires scorching hundreds of acres of land statewide.
In Cecil, Shawano County, Sunday noon saw the ignition of a fire on the northern bank of a lake, swiftly propelled by winds amidst the surrounding cattails. Multiple fire departments and DNR personnel were called in to contain the inferno around White Clay Lake.
The intensity of the fire, with flames reaching heights of 25 feet, posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts, requiring a coordinated response utilizing bulldozers, additional fire trucks, and manpower equipped with specialized tools to combat the rapidly spreading flames.
While the cause of the White Clay Lake fire remains under investigation and no structures were harmed, officials stress the susceptibility of such incidents under prevailing conditions. Consequently, the DNR’s call for refraining from outdoor burning activities during periods of high fire risk becomes imperative, with Lubbers emphasizing the importance of exercising caution even when burning is legally permissible, particularly during windy and dry conditions where the risk of fires spiraling out of control escalates significantly.
Comments