JUNEAU COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A fast-growing wildfire, known as the Warthog Fire, has burned about 80 acres in Juneau County, Wisconsin, and forced the evacuation of about 40 homes in the Town of Kingston and the community of Mather. As of 5:30 p.m., parts of County Highway 173 have also been closed.
According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fire started in the Town of Cutler and has spread northeast into Kingston.
Firefighters say it’s burning through pine trees and dry marsh grass. So far, no injuries have been reported, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.
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Fire crews are working hard to slow the fire down, but it’s too early to say when they will get it under control. Eleven fire trucks, six tractor plows, two planes, and two Blackhawk helicopters from the Wisconsin Army National Guard are being used to fight the flames.
Local firefighters and police are also helping with evacuations.
People in the area will be told by emergency workers if they need to leave. A command center has been set up at the DNR Tomah Ranger Station, and more resources are on the way.
Officials say today’s warm weather, low humidity, and strong winds made fire conditions especially dangerous.
The DNR has stopped all outdoor burning in the area to help prevent more fires from starting.
