Early Sunday morning, at 12:20 a.m., the Merrill Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a large grass fire spreading rapidly in the area of Pier Street and North Star Road in the Town of Merrill. Initial response from Merrill Fire Department included Engine 62, Medic 62 and Brush 66. Command from Engine 62 requested the DNR to the scene and Tomahawk EMS to stand-by in Irma.
Upon arrival, Engine 62 assumed command and reported an area of approximately ¼ acre of light vegetation on fire with 2- to 4-foot flames. The wind was light. Merrill fire companies pulled a hose line from the brush truck and extinguished fire on the south flank, anchoring from the road while the other line was pulled from Engine 62 which went along the north flank of the fire which also used the road as an anchor point. The fire was extinguished by on scene firefighters quickly.
The Merrill Fire Department received mutual from the Wisconsin DNR. They helped with the searching and extinguishment of hot spots. The investigation found that the ditch line area was where the fire started with no specific cause found at this time.
You can check out the burning restrictions daily at the DNR website (www.dnr.wi.gov) key word “fire” or by calling toll free at 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876). To check for restrictions, you need to check after 11 a.m. as that is when it is updated for the day.