FORT MCCOY, Wis. (WKOW) — A Wisconsin DNR Incident Management Team spokesperson said one wildfire is under control and another is still burning Thursday morning.
Mike Hillstrom told 27 News that a fire in Necedah, dubbed the Jack Pine fire, and a fire near Fort McCoy are being fought together as the "Black River Complex." The DNR's Incident Management Team is leading the response to both.
Hillstrom says the Jack Pine fire is contained and controlled, with first responders monitoring for flare ups. He said it's burned about 87 acres and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hillstrom said the Fort McCoy fire is about 50% contained and has burned around 2,800 acres of land. Most of the land are pine and oak forests outside of the base, but he said some neighborhoods could have to evacuate.
Hillstrom said there are a variety of crews and resources dedicated to fighting these fires, including DNR and local fire trucks, bulldozers and Blackhawk helicopters.
So far, no one has been hurt in either fire— but several structures have been damaged.
The DNR reports the elevated fire risk continues into Thursday, with the southern two-thirds of the state in a Red Flag Warning. This type of warning issued when "a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions."
The DNR says no one should burn outside today— including campfires or grilling. People should also avoid activities that could start fires, like using chainsaws or off-road vehicles that can throw sparks.
On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency because of the wildfire risk.
The executive order will support the need to suppress wildfires and other challenges associated with the conditions. It will also allow the state to rapidly mobilize the Army National Guard's Blackhawk helicopters in areas in need of aerial fire suppression.
More at WKOW 27 News