UPDATE: Containment Increases And Evacuations Lifted For Arcadia Wildfire

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire crews and local agencies are on the scene of a 3,186-acre wildfire in Monroe County, which is now 77% contained. Roughly 150 personnel are involved in the firefighting effort.

All Arcadia Fire evacuations have been rescinded as of noon today. Property owners living in the evacuated area are now allowed to return.

Arcadia Ave. between Blueberry Rd. and Smothers Rd. remains closed to non-residents. The evacuation center previously operational at the LUNDA Center is now closed.

No injuries have been reported. Three structures were damaged and one shed lost.

A thorough investigation is being conducted on the cause of the wildfire. The team consists of personnel and wildland fire investigators who are trained to look at specific indicators at the origin of the fire. These investigations can take time. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

The fire is burning in oak and pine. The fire behavior remained active overnight and firefighter crews are making progress by using engines and dozers to build containment lines. Crews worked overnight to secure and build new containment lines.

The steep and uneven topography makes it difficult for direct attack on some parts of the fire line. Safety is a main concern for ground crews, with a focus on equipment navigating steep slopes and unimproved roads and personnel staying aware of burning and falling hazard trees on the fire line.

The DNR Forestry Incident Management Team has been activated and, under a unified command partnership with Fort McCoy, has set up the command post at the Black River Falls DNR service center.

State patrol is monitoring smoke on the interstate and will shut it down again if visibility or fire conditions warrant it. Visit the 511 webpage for interstate closure information.

The DNR is asking the public to only contact the county dispatch 911 offices in the event of an emergency.

This is the third day in a row parts of the state are under a Red Flag Warning, which is rare for western Wisconsin. Today’s weather conditions continue to elevate fire danger, with wind from the SW/SSW at 5-15 mph gusting up to 25 mph and a low relative humidity around 25%.

Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution and avoid burning until conditions improve.    

For the most current fire situation and evacuation information, follow the DNR on Facebook and Twitter, or check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.