Mar 17, 2025, 7:53 PM CST
MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – It may be a holiday filled with green, but the grass isn’t yet, creating a burning combination on St. Patrick’s Day.
The state has seen 68 wildfires in just the past week. Burning 937 acres and counting…
Monday alone, 15 wildfires lit around 777 acres up across the state.
The biggest blaze is in Green Lake county. Named the “Big Island” fire, its burned an estimated 745 acres in the Town of Seneca and is still active in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area. The fire broke out at 4:30 p.m. and is currently being held on the south side by County Road D.
Two residences have been evacuated, with six structures threatened but none lost. The Wisconsin DNR says there are are no injuries to report.
DNR fire suppression resources are on the scene right now, including six DNR engines, four dozers with engines, two DNR low ground units, DNR air patrol and two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service low ground units. Ten local fire departments and law enforcement are also assisting.
The fire is under investigation. No DNR or private approved prescribed burn was in the area at the start of the fire. The fire is however burning on state and private lands.
People who live near the wildlife area are encouraged to avoid the area. The DNR does not have any additional information at this time. The property consists of open marsh, meadow, swamp hardwoods/tamarack swamp, upland prairie/oak savanna and shrub carr.
Other fires in Richfield and Princeton also burned a total of 10 acres.
Debris burning was the reason fires started south, in Westfield and Caledonia, charring multiple acres each.
High grass and dead vegetation, paired with gusty dry winds whipping up to 45mph, can easily cause any fire to spread rapidly.
FIRE DANGER MONDAY, MARCH 17th:
Rain will green up the grass, which ultimately winds down wildfire risks.
Thankfully that’s on the way Tuesday night, with some snow to follow.
Winter Storm Watches have been issued for the Northwoods, where up to a foot is possible in places on Wednesday.
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