(WFRV) – A dozen fire departments were needed Sunday afternoon to help contain an “out of control” brush fire in Wisconsin, authorities say.
According to a release from the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, a brush fire was reported out of control at 3:55 p.m. in the area of W3300 Lower Hebron Road in Hebron Township.
Due to the current fire conditions and rapid spread of the out-of-control fire, multiple units were called in from a dozen different fire departments. While crews were en route to the brush fire, the fire extended to a large barn and a portion of an attached four-car garage at a nearby residence.
Arriving firefighters began a coordinated interior attack on the residence and were able to rescue a pet dog, which was not hurt and was reunited with the family. The fire at the residence was brought under control and the damage was limited to a portion of the garage.
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Crews from all 12 responding fire departments then divided into four sectors, including one for the brush fire, one for the barn fire, one for the residential fire, and another for exposure protection at a second residence that sustained some minor exterior siding damage and some smoke infiltration.
All of the fires were eventually extinguished, with the brush fire being contained to less than two acres of vegetation and timber. One firefighter was taken to the hospital following the fire for evaluation and was later released.
This was a complex incident with multiple active fire areas requiring coordinated operations to protect nearby structures. All firefighters performed exceptionally well under challenging conditions, and their efforts prevented what could have resulted in the loss of two family homes. We are entering fire season with increasingly dry conditions. Any approved outdoor burning must be constantly attended and have a reliable water source immediately available.
Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Bruce Peterson
Officials say the brush fire that led to the other fires at the barn and the two residences appears to be accidental in nature. Residents are being reminded to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office before doing any outdoor burning as a way to ensure the current conditions are safe.
No other information is available at this time and the incident remains under investigation.
