An unattended fire pit in Saukville triggered a brush fire that the Ozaukee Central Fire Department had to tackle in freezing conditions on January 19. The incident unfolded near Arrowhead Lane, where someone had been burning materials outdoors and left briefly, only to return to find the wind had carried the flames to an adjoining field. WISN reported that the fire department emphasized the role of the winds in spreading the fire.
Despite the cold snap, with temperatures bottoming out at five degrees, fire crews managed to extinguish the fire that consumed about an acre of land, TMJ4 notes the harsh conditions posed a challenge to addressing the fast-moving fire that flared up due to negligence, and the department highlighted the importance of monitoring any outdoor burning activities, especially in such frigid conditions. TMJ4 reported about the extent of the land affected by the runaway fire.
According to a Facebook post by the Ozaukee Central Fire Department, the call to action came at 12:45 pm, after the individual responsible for the fire had vacated the area momentarily; the winds rapidly swept the fire through the fields surrounding the location. The post detailed the timeline and response to the emergency, as well as a reminder of the risk that comes with leaving fires unattended.
