MINONG, Wis. (WJMC) — A wildfire destroyed a building and burned around two hundred fifty acres yesterday in Washburn County, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
The fire, named the Smith Bridge Fire, was several miles northwest of Minong, near Gilmore Lake. The DNR said 10 firetrucks, 11 plows and four aircraft, including two aerial tankers dropping water, responded to fight the blaze. It was still burning but under control by Saturday evening. Several other structures were threatened and nearby residents were evacuated to Northwoods School. The cause of the fire was not known at this time.
Fire danger was high this weekend, with 35 wildfires across the state on Saturday, the highest this year. Today, Sunday, the DNR expects the fire danger to reach “Very High.” Burn permits are suspended and burning is discouraged in areas without permits. Visit the DNR website, at apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ to see the current fire danger and wildfires.