Fire Department

A call for a smoke investigation on the northeast side led to the discovery of an abandoned campfire and a five-hour operation to put it out.

Firefighters were called to check out reports of smoke coming from a wooded, marshy area behind Westerfield Lane. Upon arrival, a resident pointed out the smoke which appeared to be nestled a half-mile into the woods. Engine 8’s crew walked to the location and found a large pile of natural vegetation and decaying logs burning. The burning area measured about 20x20 feet. Strong winds continued to feed the fire, which bumped up against marsh grass and posed a threat for continued spread.

The fire also posed other challenges to firefighters due to its remote location. The Wisconsin DNR provided a marsh rig to supply water and disperse the pile of vegetation, but the rig could not access the area. Instead, firefighters decided to use the attack line from Engine 8 to douse the pile. A substantial amount of water was required, and so was a substantial amount of hose. Altogether, firefighters laid 1200 feet of hose to reach the fire.

Engine Co. 13 assisted Engine Co. 8 with fire attack, and Engine Co. 11 provided equipment to help carry hoses in and out of the scene.

Crews were released at 2:15 p.m., just over five hours after arriving on scene. Nobody was around at the time the fire was discovered. The individual(s) responsible could not be identified.

Pictured:
- A view of the fire scene
- Firefighters spread apart the smoldering pile of wood and vegetation by hand
- A portion of fire hose approaching the wooded area where the fire was discovered.