WI DNR: Burning debris caused nearly 240-acre wildfire at Necedah Wildlife Refuge

NECEDAH, Wis. (WKBT)– A nearly 240-acre wildfire at the Necedah Wildlife Refuge this weekend was caused by debris burning, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Wisconsin DNR fire crews remained on scene Sunday after the wildfire burned through the property Saturday. The crews are ensuring there are no hot spots or burning within the contained fire. Staff with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Forest Service are assisting with the efforts.

The wildfire burned upland grass and timber before slowing as it reached the wetter ground in the marsh.

Four to five structures were threatened but not impacted. No injuries have been reported.

There continues to be a ‘very high’ fire danger in Juneau County. Contributing factors include warm temperatures, low relative humidity and very windy conditions.

Burning permits have been suspended since March 27 due to COVID-19.

Spring in Wisconsin has the highest fire risk with debris burning being the top cause of wildfires, according to the DNR.

Courtesy of Dolores Marusarz via Facebook.