5/11/2026

VILAS COUNTY - On Saturday afternoon, a fire originated in a wood pile and then spread to a building on U.S. Highway 45 in Land O' Lakes. The Vilas County 911 Center was alerted to smoke at 6373 U.S. Highway 45 just before 2:30. When they arrived, emergency crews discovered a burning pile of wood behind a building, with flames spreading. Fortunately, the business was closed, and no staff members were present. A multi-agency response included fire departments from Land O' Lakes, Conover, Phelps, Eagle River, and Watersmeet. Support was also provided by the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, Land O' Lakes EMS, WE Energy, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Vilas County Sheriff's Office and the Land O' Lakes Fire Department are investigating the incident.

5/11/2026

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP – The Bessemer Township Fire Department was dispatched just before 7:00 last night to a reported sauna fire on Barber Rd.  Fire crews were on scene for about 45 minutes.  No injuries reported, no other structures were damaged.  Fire crews say the wood sauna stove was the cause. 

5/11/2026

N. WISCONSIN / U.P. – The Wildfire Fire Danger for today is at VERY HIGH.  NO outdoor open debris allowed today for most of the U.P. and much of Northern and Northwest Wisconsin.  A fire danger of VERY HIGH means wildfires start easily, spread rapidly with increased intensity and are difficult to control.