(CALAMUS) What started as a controlled burn quickly turned into a fast-moving fire Friday morning, charring about 8 acres in the Town of Calamus.
The Beaver Dam Fire Department was called just after 11 a.m. to W10080 County Road D after someone reported the burn had gotten out of control and was spreading beyond its intended area.
When crews arrived, they found active flames moving east of Forest Road. The fire began in a low-lying area filled with natural vegetation, but steady winds pushed it into a harvested cornfield and toward a nearby wooded area.
As conditions worsened, the incident commander asked neighboring departments for help. Firefighters spent nearly an hour bringing the fire under control and extinguishing hotspots.
In all, about 8 acres burned. Crews stayed on scene for nearly two hours to mop up and watch for flare-ups.
Fire Chief Michael Wesle said the department wants people to use caution when doing controlled burns, especially on windy days. Even a small fire can spread quickly when the wind picks up.
