Wildfire Burns 700 Acres In Wisconsin, 8 Firefighters Injured

COLOMA, WI — A wildfire that started in Waushara County around 70 miles north of Madison on Monday was fully contained by Thursday after burning around 730 acres, injuring eight firefighters and destroying nearly 20 buildings, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Fire crews from the DNR and local agencies "have made good progress" in containing the fire, the DNR said in its final update on the situation. Authorities earlier said they scaled the fire around 400 acres, then 830, but more accurate mapping showed it was around 730 acres.

Debris burning was what sparked the fire, the DNR said. The blaze, dubbed the "Pallet Fire," started southeast of Highway 21 near Coloma, according to the DNR. Three primary structures were lost, along with 16 secondary structures.

Local crews were staying on the scene to monitor for hot spots and continue mop-up efforts, while crews from the outside area have been sent home, the DNR said Thursday.

The fire had traveled northeast from where it started burning pine and mixed hardwood alongside Cumberland Avenue north of Highway 21, according to the DNR. Responders said they found erratic behavior from the fire because of gusty winds and drought conditions w. On Monday, the fire was scaled at around 70 acres and growing.

The DNR noted that before they started fighting the Pallet Fire, around 11 other fires had to be extinguished around the state.

Eight firefighters were injured during the fire but have been released, the DNR said.

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