Waupun Fire Department battles vegetation fire as wildfire danger risk remains high in area

***Photo submitted by Waupun Fire Department***

The Waupun Fire Department responded to a large vegetation fire overnight in Fond du Lac County.

Around midnight, the Fond du Lac County Communication Center received a call that there was an area of tall grass burning at the north west corner of the Highway 26 and Highway 151 interchange north of Waupun.

When fire fighters arrived they found a 200-300 foot wide area of tall grass burning. Alliant energy needed to be called to check on a couple power poles that were damaged in the fire. It’s unknown at this time what may have started the fire.

The Wisconsin DNR says the danger for outdoor fires is high for Fond du Lac County right now, and in the very high category for much of the state just west of us including Green Lake County.

According to the DNR, a very high rating means wildfires start easily, spread rapidly with increased intensity and are difficult to control. The fire danger in the area should decrease this weekend as a blanket of snow covers the area with an approaching storm.