Controlled Burn Wipes Out Structure, 8 Acres Of Marsh

What started out as a controlled burn ended up needing at least 6 local fire departments being called to assist in putting the fire out.

The call came in  Thursday, June 17th, 2021, just before 2:00 p.m. to the Fond du Lac County Communications Center where a neighbor reported a structure fire on Mielke Rd in the Town of Alto. A deputy from the sheriff’s office responded and determined the structure on fire was a small chicken coop.  

The fire was started by a family member of the property owner, who had intended a controlled burn.  The fire spread from the chicken coop to a surrounding marsh grass area owned by the property owners.  The fire spread to approximately 8 acres before it was contained but the chicken coop was destroyed.

Area fire departments that assisted at the incident included Alto, Brandon, Fairwater, Waupun, Markesan, and Fox Lake.  Lifestar EMS also assisted at the scene. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time.