830-Acre Wildfire In Wisconsin Largely Contained; 20 Buildings Lost

COLOMA, WI — An 830-acre wildfire named the "Pallet Fire" burning about 70 miles north of Madison has been nearly fully contained, but not without several structures being reported lost, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Officials said lines along the fire perimeter are holding and it is 99 percent contained, though there are still reports of unburned fuel inside the perimeter. Three primary structures and 17 secondary structures have been lost in the fire, authorities said Tuesday morning. The cause of the wildfire is debris burning, according to a news release.

There have been different reports about the size of the fire. Authorities initially said it was around 400 acres but by Tuesday morning, the DNR clarified it was 830 acres based on infrared satellite technology and location points on the ground.

Eight firefighters have been injured when fighting the blaze but all have been treated and released, the DNR said.

"Almost no rain was received in the fire perimeter overnight, so fire conditions remain active today. Drought, warm temperatures and low relative humidity are still forecasted, but winds are expected to be lighter today," the DNR said on Tuesday. "Fire danger remains high across many parts of the state due to these conditions. Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution and avoid burning until conditions improve."

Local police completed a few evacuations in the area as necessary. The fire traveled northeast burning pine and mixed hardwoods alongside Cumberland Avenue north of Highway 21 near Coloma, according to a DNR news release.

"Fire officials on scene indicated erratic fire behavior due to gusty winds and drought conditions along with reports of torching and fire moving into the crowns of the trees," the news release said. "Several spot fires occurred ahead of the fire and were suppressed and monitored. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation."

Fire suppression resources on the scene included 13 engines, 16 heavy units with dozers and engines, plus one air attack plane, the DNR said. Several fire departments in the area are also helping to suppress the fire and protect buildings.

Weather conditions on Monday resulted in an elevated fire danger before a developing storm front, officials said. Warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation were factors in the fire.

Besides the Pallet Fire, the DNR said there were 11 other wildfires on Monday that were suppressed in protection areas. You can check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.