WAUSHARA COUNTY, Wis. — A 730-acre pallet fire in Waushara County, Wis., has been 100% contained, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said Thursday.

Several structures were lost as a result of the fire, including three primary structures and 16 secondary structures. DNR officials said the cause of the fire was from someone burning debris. Bruce Henderson, DNR incident commander, said that person started the debris fire sometime before Monday but failed to completely extinguish it.

Investigators have identified the person believed responsible but did not release a name during the news conference. Henderson said the person likely will be held liable for the cost of fighting the fire.

Previous reports had said the fire was various different sizes. The latest size update is based on infrared/satellite technology and location points taken on the ground that helps crews get a accurate size. 

(Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR)

The Wisconsin DNR said local law enforcement and emergency management evacuated parts of the area Monday, and would continue to do so if needed. 

The fire travelled northeast along Cumberland Ave., burning pine and mixed hardwoods, and then burned north of Highway 21, according to Wisconsin DNR.

“Fire officials on scene indicated erratic fire behavior due to gusty winds and drought conditions along with reports of torching and fire moving into the crowns of the trees. Several spot fires occurred ahead of the fire and were suppressed and monitored,” Wisconsin DNR said.

The Wisconsin DNR had fire crews on the scene in addition to local agencies. Wisconsin DNR said it deployed fire suppression resources to help fight the fire; it had 13 DNR engines, 16 “heavy units” (dozers with engines) and an attack plane on the scene.

Additionally, multiple local fire departments were there, working to supress the fire and protect existing structures. Eight firefighers were treated for injuries from the fire and were released. A Wisconsin Operating Engineers training facility also provided support.

Alliant Energy also helped to restore power in the area. The DNR said all out-of-area personnel were sent home Thursday.

Crews work to suppress pallet fire (Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR)

Monday's weather conditions — which included warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation due to drought — elevated the risk of fire danger. Overnight, almost no rain was recieve so the fire had remained active.

Wisconsin DNR said 11 other wildfires broke out on DNR protection areas Monday, but they were “suppressed.” 

Waushara County residents don't need DNR burning permits from June 1 to Dec. 31, Henderson said. Only an executive order from the governor could impose burning permit restrictions outside of that window, he said.

For any more information on the fire or to help those impacted, DNR officials said to contact the Pallet Fire Information Line at 715-284-1475.