Treat every wire as a live wire!
For more Storm Damage information, call 211.
Out of State callers should dial 877-947-2211.
ATV Trails – For safety purposes, all Oconto County ATV trails are closed until further notice; including
the portion of the Nicolet State Trail in Oconto County. Violators may be ticketed.
Burning – Follow local DNR regulations. Burn permit required. Information on DNR website:
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.html or through 1-888-WisBurn.
Burning Permit Restrictions – Get a permit by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or click here:
https://dnr.wi.gov/burnpermits For northern Oconto County including the Townships of Brazeau,
Bagley, Breed or any Townships to the north, burning is allowed today from 6 pm to midnight for a
covered barrel, debris pile less than 6x6x6 feet in size, and grass or wooded area less than 1 acre. Any
burning in excess of this requires a special permit through the local DNR Ranger Station.
Checking on Property – At this time, Oconto County officials are unable to check on unoccupied
properties such as cabins/cottages. Trees continue to fall so you may not be able to get in to your cabin,
or once inside, you may get stuck. For your safety and the safety of those responding to the storm
damage, officials state that at this time, you may enter at your own risk.
Damage Assessment – Oconto County will have workers in the area over the next few weeks conducting
damage assessments. Officials will have proper credentials – don’t be afraid to ask to see an ID.
Debris Disposal – Tree/Brush disposal is the individual property owner responsibility. Do not burn
unauthorized materials and do not dump on public property. Debris disposal sites listed below are
specifically for town residents only. No contractor or construction debris is allowed.
Bagley: Recycling Center on Deer Lake Road Open 24/7
Brazeau: Town Leaf & Brush Center on corner of Parkway Rd. & County G Open 24/7
until further notice
Breed: Town Recycling Center:
Now accepting Brush Extended Hours until Monday, August 5, 2019.
Monday 9AM-12PM
Wednesday 12PM-6PM
Saturday 9AM-2PM
Sunday 9AM-2PM
*Normal hours for the Breed Recycling Center resume Monday, August 5, 2019.
Crooked Lake: Brush site open Saturdays 10AM-2PM
Doty: Brush site behind Riverview Town Hall open 8AM-4PM through
Sunday, August 4, 2019. Beginning Monday, August 5, 2019 new hours are as
follows:
Wednesday 1PM-4PM
Saturday 10AM-3PM
Sunday 1PM-4PM
Lakewood: Town Recycling on North Road
Monday 9 AM-12PM
Wednesday 12PM-7PM
Saturday 9AM-3PM
Sunday 1PM-4PM
Mountain: Recycling/Brush Center on Old Hwy 32
Monday & Friday 9AM-12PM
Wednesday 3PM-6PM
Saturday & Sunday 1PM-4PM
Riverview: Brush site behind Riverview Town Hall open 8AM-4PM through
Sunday, August 4, 2019. Beginning Monday, August 5, 2019 new hours are as
follows:
Wednesday 1PM-4PM
Saturday 10AM-3PM
Sunday 1PM-4PM
Townsend: Town Recycling Center:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9AM-5PM
Debris/Brush must be under 6”
DNR Wind Storm Timber Salvage Assistance – The DNR is planning informational meetings to discuss
storm timber salvage at the Town of Mountain Bill Lazansky Community Center Saturday, August 10th at
9:00am and Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm. Additional meetings will be held in Langlade County on
Saturday, August, 17, 2019 (Elcho High school) and Saturday, August 24, 2019 (White Lake School
Commons); both at 1:00 p.m. For more information on managing storm damage to forests please visit
dnr.wi.gov, keywords “storm damage” or type in
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestLandowners/stormRecovery.html
If you are unable to attend, please contact Stephen Kaufman directly at 920-360-1290 or email
Stephen.Kaufman@wisconsin.gov
DNR Forestry assistance is currently focusing on landowners with significant damage to their woodlands. Significant damage is
several acres completely flattened by the storm.
Doty Town Hall Meeting – A storm damage informational meeting for Town of Doty landowners will be
held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. https://townofdoty.org
Electrician – The foregoing list of local electricians represents available services in the area. Oconto
County does not specifically recommend or endorse any of the services listed herein. Oconto County
does NOT guarantee the work of any of the listed service providers, and Oconto County is not
responsible for the present or future performance of the listed providers. It is the customers’
responsibility to research and verify any necessary licenses, bonding or liability insurance held by the
listed service providers. To see a list of area electricians, please visit:
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/news_and_announcements/?i=d96c6a57690e#sthash.C8HjlkK0.dpbs
Garbage – Residents are reminded to double bag any disposed food waste.
Gas Leaks – Leave area immediately and call 911.
Generator Safety – Do not connect a portable generator directly to a building’s wiring or plug the
generator into an electrical outlet. This will cause a “back-feed” condition, which is extremely dangerous
to utility line mechanics when repairing the downed power lines as they are unaware of any “live” wires.
Never operate a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed area. For more tips click here:
https://bit.ly/32MpLcP
Generator Safety Tips:
The portable electric generator should be the correct size, with a slightly larger output than the
power level needed to operate all the equipment that is connected to it. The generator and
connected equipment can be damaged if the inappropriately sized generator is used.
Do not connect a portable generator directly to a building’s wiring or plug the generator into
an electrical outlet. This will cause a “backfeed” condition. The power from the generator will
flow through the building wiring and onto the utility distribution system. This is extremely
dangerous to utility line mechanics when repairing the downed power lines as they are
unaware of any “live” wires. In addition, when the power company restores power, it can feed
directly into the portable generator causing severe damage to the generator and any
appliances that are plugged into the generator. In order to prevent a “backfeed” condition or
equipment damage when the utility company restores power, have a licensed electrician
install a transfer switch to isolate the building wiring from the utility distribution system.
SHUT OFF the structures main breaker to help prevent “backfeed.”
Use the properly sized and rated power cords to connect equipment to the portable generator.
Use heavy duty, outdoor-rated, grounded extension cords that are in good operating condition
in these situations.
Never operate a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed area. The generator uses an
internal combustion engine to operate and emits carbon monoxide gas that must be vented
properly in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Never refuel an operating or hot generator. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine could ignite. Always
have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.
Keep children away from all portable generators at all times.
Portable generators are a great convenience, but like any piece of equipment, present many
safety hazards. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions completely to ensure
that your generator is being maintained and operated in a safe and proper manner.
Tips for working around Blowdown with Power Lines:
This area falls within the Wisconsin Public Service Company’s service area. These tips have been
confirmed as Best Management Practices for our response crews:
Generator “Back Feed”
o It is possible that homeowners running generators can inadvertently route their
generated “local” power back into the lines.
o STOP and Listen: if you hear a generator (or not…) consider this may be happening near
your work area: TREAT ALL POWERLINES AS IF THEY ARE ENERGIZED!
o Urge homeowners to read the manuals for proper set up procedures to avoid back
feeding the lines (generally this means shutting off the main breaker to the structure
being fed).
o See the separate handout on general generator safety.
Reporting downed lines in the work area
o If you encounter lines/transformers on the ground or with trees on them, TREAT EVERY
LINE AS IF IT IS ENERGIZED!
o Safely get the following information:
Closest pole number: this is located on an aluminum tag attached to the pole
about eye level.
General description of the issue: Tree on the line, down line across the road,
etc.
General geographical location (Smith Road just west of Fire number 1234, etc.)
Your name as reporting party
Date and time of discovery
o Call or text the information in to ICP and a list will be compiled to submit to WPS for
their crews to manage.
o Work with Operations if your saw team needs to be reassigned given the line location.
Restored service is happening fast!
o WPS is expecting to have 95% of power restored to those whose infrastructure can
support it by the end of the day on 7/23.
o The next 48 hours will show drastic, rapid change with small grids coming on line every
few minutes.
o We cannot provide a map or a list of where/when the power will go live as the situation
is so dynamic and the list will be outdated and unreliable.
o TREAT EVERY LINE AS IF IT IS ENERGIZED! Even if it was “dead” a few minutes ago – IT
MAY NOT BE NOW!
Housing – Housing Rehabilitation Assistance is available through the Northwoods Housing Region GDBG
Program. Representatives will be available at the Mountain Community Center on Tuesday 07/30/19
and Wednesday 07/31/19 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. More information can be found at
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/news_and_announcements/?i=a4c264fe1348#sthash.NW4AeHXM.dpbs
Local Government Point of Contact – Searchable on County website at
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/municipalities with contact of supervisors for storm areas listed below:
Town of Bagley – (920) 590-0198
Town of Brazeau – (920) 604-0514
Town of Breed – (920) 842-4039
Town of Doty – (608) 772-6098
Town of Lakewood – (715) 276-3579
Town of Mountain – (715) 276-2947
Town of Riverview – (715) 850-1473
Town of Townsend – (715) 850-1980
Multi-Agency Resource Center – Residents unable to attend the American Red Cross event held at the
Mountain Community Center and who would like to ask questions or speak with someone regarding this
event should contact Oconto County Public Health at (920) 834-7000.
Mountain Fire Observation Tower – Closed until further notice. Because the tower is not structurally
sound, do not climb the tower. Please obey the road closed signs leading to the tower.
Parks and Campgrounds – Many recreation areas are closed. Please check websites for News &
Announcements.
Oconto County Forestry/Parks
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/departments/?department=7d5b8fc3b3f8&subdepartment=0c1bb6165cf2
US Forest Service
https://www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf/
Power Outage Update – Treat every wire as a live wire! For updated information the best information is
available from your personal provider. The following contact information is provided.
Wisconsin Public Service: (800) 450-7260 https://accel.wisconsinpublicservice.com/
WeEnergies: (800) 662-4797 https://www.we-energies.com/
Oconto Electric Cooperative: 800-472-8410 https://ocontoelectric.com/
Power Restoration – Treat every wire as a live wire! Power is restored to meters by the utility
companies. Meter to home power is the responsibility of the home owner and should be handled by an
electrician.
Roads – At this point all State and County roads are passable. Local agencies continue with cutting to
clear roads. Be advised local agencies will not cut on private property.
Safety Clothing – Wear appropriate attire during storm clean up: Closed toed shoes, long pants (no
loose clothing), gloves, eye protect, ear protection and cutting chaps if operating chain saw.
Tax Payments – Taxes are due July 31, 2019 and payments must be postmarked by due date to avoid
other fees.
Timber Cutting Notices – Before entering into an agreement with a logger/cutter, land owners should
ask for identification and proof of insurance. Timber cutting notices must be submitted to the Oconto
County Clerk’s office. Below is a link to the Notice of Timber Cutting located on the Oconto County
website: http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/i_oconto/d/notice_of_timber_cutting_fillable.pdf Call 920-834-
6800 for information or assistance in completing the notice.
Tree Cutting/Removal – The foregoing list of local tree removal and logger services represents available
services in the area. Oconto County does not specifically recommend or endorse any of the services listed
herein. Oconto County does NOT guarantee the work of any of the listed service providers, and Oconto
County is not responsible for the present or future performance of the listed providers. It is the
customers’ responsibility to research and verify any necessary licenses, bonding or liability insurance held
by the listed service providers. To see a list of area tree cutting/removal contractors, please visit:
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/news_and_announcements/?i=8a58f05356a6#sthash.6cfyyDXh.dpbs
*Individuals with general questions, please call the US Forest Service at (715) 276-6333.
Zoning Building Repair & Construction – An Oconto County Land Use Permit is required prior to new
building construction, additions, alterations & structural work (including repairs) that are done to roofs,
windows, trusses, walls, etc. In addition, check with town building inspector for town building permits
and to schedule project site visits. Keep track of associated permit fees for inclusion in insurance claims.
Contact Oconto County Zoning at 920-834-6827 for more information and permit fee schedule or visit:
http://www.co.oconto.wi.us/departments/forms_and_documents/?department=a67c24bc2735&subde
partment=b68dd8d30ab0#sthash.Ihhv8CCI.dpbs
Zoning Solid Waste Disposal – Oconto County Zoning regulates solid waste disposal. It is illegal to burn
or dump solid waste including building materials such as shingles, vinyl siding, & plywood. Only paper
and clean lumber can be legally burned, all other materials must be land filled.
