20 Structures Lost – 8 Firefighters Injured In Waushara County Wildfire

***Photos Submitted By Daniel Fishelson***

The Wisconsin DNR has released more information on the wild fire in Waushara County yesterday.

An updated figure of 832 acres is said to have burned in the fire which started in the mid afternoon about a mile and a half south east of Coloma from burning debris from a controlled burn.

The fire then spread rapidly to the northeast, fueled by strong winds, low humidity and dry foliage from a lack of rain to the area over the last few months.

3 primary structures and 17 secondary structures were lost in the blaze and 8 firefighters were treated and released for firefighting related injuries.

Firefighters remain on the scene putting out hot spots.

The DNR says the area remains dry and fire danger remains high in the area, but wind speeds have slowed helping with fire suppression efforts.

During the fire’s peak, the fire call grew to a 5th alarm MABAS call bringing in mutual aid from over 2 dozen departments. In Fond du Lac County, Eden, Campbellsport,
Waupun, and Ripon sent crews to assist as did Brownsville from Dodge County. The DNR also had as many as 13 engines and 10 pieces of heavy duty equipment
working the scene per it’s webpage.

By 6:30, the fire jumped Highway 21 as it continued to spread north and east. Smoke from the fire could be seen on National Weather Service Radar as well as physically,
extending into Outagamie County.

By 9PM the DNR said the fire was 99% contained with only a few areas burning itself out south of the Mecan River and east of County Highway GG.