Wisconsin DNR says 750-acre wildfire in Green Lake County now 100% contained

Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Tuesday morning announced that a 750-acre Big Island Fire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County is now 100% contained as of midnight.

The fire broke out at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 17. It burned primarily in cattails and marsh grass. 

Six homes were evacuated and saved, and approximately 12 outbuildings were saved. No structures were lost and there were no reported injuries.

In total, 13 fire departments responded, as well as the Berlin ambulance service, Green Lake Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, multiple DNR wardens and numerous DNR forestry fire control resources and a DNR patrol plane.

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Firefighters were on scene overnight and remain on the scene this morning. Today, they are focused on mop up; there are no active flames, but there is smoke. County Highway D is closed for the safety of firefighters still working in the area and the public is asked to avoid the area.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No DNR or private-approved prescribed burn was in the area at the start of the fire. The fire burned on state and private lands.

Spring is wildfire season in Wisconsin. No matter the weather, the DNR urges the public to always check fire danger before conducting outdoor burning activities.