Latest news with #WarthogFire
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wisconsin faces extreme fire risk for second day, DNR continues to issue warnings
(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Weather Service has issues a Red Flag Warning for the second day in a row this week for parts of northern Wisconsin from noon to 9 p.m. This means there is a very high risk of wildfires. Hot, dry and windy weather makes it easy for fires to start and spread quickly. According to a press release from the DNR, the land is very dry because there hasn't been much rain. UPDATE: 80-acre fire contained in Juneau County, dozens return to homes after being evacuated The DNR says Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer and Washburn counties are affected and no burning is allowed today even if you have a DNR burn permit. Residents should be careful with campfires, grills, cigarettes, chainsaws and off-road vehicles. These things can cause sparks that lead to fires. The DNR is also urging that any recent fires be checked to make sure they are completely out. The DNR has already dealt with over 100 wildfires in the last week, many in the same areas under today's warning. Beyond the Forecast: What are 'Fire Weather Watches' and 'Red Flag Warnings'? The release states that yesterday two large wildfires broke out. The Warthog Fire in Juneau County burned through 130 acres and resulted in evacuations. The Swiss Complex Fire in Burnett County had two fires that burned through 60 acres and one structure before being controlled. Yesterday, the DNR issued Red Flag Warnings for 21 northern Wisconsin counties. Firefighters report that they will be on high alert and ready to respond since weather conditions are predicted to stay dry and dangerous. The Army National Guard and two Blackhawk helicopters are also on standby. Fore up-to-date fire danger levels, wildfire reports, and burning restrictions, visit the Wisconsin DNR website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
80-acre fire spreads in Juneau County, dozens of homes evacuated
JUNEAU COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A fast-growing wildfire, known as the Warthog Fire, has burned about 80 acres in Juneau County, Wisconsin, and forced the evacuation of about 40 homes in the Town of Kingston and the community of Mather. As of 5:30 p.m., parts of County Highway 173 have also been closed. According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fire started in the Town of Cutler and has spread northeast into Kingston. Firefighters say it's burning through pine trees and dry marsh grass. So far, no injuries have been reported, but the cause of the fire is still unknown. Beyond the Forecast: What are 'Fire Weather Watches' and 'Red Flag Warnings'? Fire crews are working hard to slow the fire down, but it's too early to say when they will get it under control. Eleven fire trucks, six tractor plows, two planes, and two Blackhawk helicopters from the Wisconsin Army National Guard are being used to fight the flames. Local firefighters and police are also helping with evacuations. People in the area will be told by emergency workers if they need to leave. A command center has been set up at the DNR Tomah Ranger Station, and more resources are on the way. Officials say today's warm weather, low humidity, and strong winds made fire conditions especially dangerous. The DNR has stopped all outdoor burning in the area to help prevent more fires from starting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
About 40 homes evacuated as crews battle 80-acre wildfire in Juneau County
KINGSTON − About 40 homes are being evacuated and portions of Juneau County 173 are closed as fire crews from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and local agencies respond to a roughly 80-acre wildfire in Juneau County. The Warthog Fire in the Juneau County town of Kingston is growing as of 5:30 p.m. May 12, according to the Wisconsin DNR. The fire started in the town of Cutler and is moving into the town of Kingston, near the community of Mather, the DNR said in a news release. The fire is traveling northeast and is burning in pine and marsh grass. Crews are making progress on containment, but there is no estimate as to when firefighters will have the wildfire under control, according to the release. Eleven engines, six tractor plows, two air attack planes and two Wisconsin Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are working to extinguish the fire. Several local fire departments and local law enforcement are assisting with evacuations. Homeowners and businesses will be notified by emergency personnel on scene if they are in the impacted area, the release said. The Southwest District Incident Management Team has been activated, and the command post has been set up at the DNR Tomah Ranger Station. Several more DNR resources have been ordered to the fire, according to the release. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation. Monday's weather conditions resulted in critical fire danger, with DNR suspending outdoor burning in the area. Contributing factors include warm temperatures, very low relative humidity and windy conditions, according to the Wisconsin DNR. For the most current fire situation, check the DNR Facebook page or check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website. Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@ or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: 40 homes evacuated as crews battle 80-acre wildfire in Juneau County
