18-03-2025
Wildfire in Green Lake County burns 720 acres; crews still on scene
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fire crews and local agencies responded to a 720-acre wildfire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County that broke out Monday afternoon.
The "Big Island Fire" started around 4:30 p.m. Monday, affecting state and private lands. According to a Facebook post by the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday morning, fire crews will continue working with heavy equipment Tuesday in the area of the fire.
Multiple road closures are in effect around White River Marsh. Closures can be seen on this map shared by the sheriff's office. Authorities urge people to avoid the area to allow crews to continue working to prevent flare-ups.
Two residences were evacuated Monday afternoon, according to the DNR. Six structures were threatened, but none were lost and no injuries were reported.
Six DNR engines, four dozers with engines, two low-ground units, DNR air patrol and two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service low-ground units responded to the fire. Ten local fire departments and law enforcement agencies assisted.
The DNR said Monday night that the fire is under investigation. No DNR or private approved prescribed burn was scheduled in the area when the fire started.
The DNR encourages the public to check fire danger on its WisBurn map before conducting outdoor burning activities. According to the map, Green Lake, Marquette, Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Waushara and Adams counties are under "very high" fire danger as of around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Green Lake County wildfire burns 720 acres at White River Marsh
