Spring snow still covered the forest floor a few weeks ago in northwestern Wisconsin. Today, the woods are scorched and smoking, melting snow replaced by ash after Wisconsin’s largest wildfire in 33 years.
A massive wildfire that may have originated at a logging site on Tuesday afternoon had burned through 9,030 acres of forestland in Douglas and Bayfield counties by Wednesday afternoon.
No injuries have been reported. Forty-seven structures were destroyed in the blaze, which the DNR declared contained on Wednesday night.
An Associated Press story reports that logging operations started the fire:
Investigators say a large wildfire caused by logging operations in northwestern Wisconsin wasn't intentionally set and criminal charges aren't expected.
Because the woods have not yet greened up and last year’s leaves and grasses are ready to burn, a ban on outdoor fires is in effect for most of the region.
So starts wildfire season. The Minnesota DNR has good information on fire prevention.
+ The Mining Gazette: This duo riding for a reason.
+ Duluth’s newest brewery, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. opened this week, reports the Duluth News Tribune. Our Bob Berg wrote about the new wave of breweries around the Big Lake in our June/July issue.
+ Finalists have been announced for the new position of Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate. The title will be announced this summer.
+ The Isle Royale Queen III has a new port of call: Marquette, Michigan. From the Mining Journal.
+ Paul Sundberg's latest Photos of the Week, of spring and wild critters.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 18: Launch event for The Pie Place Café Cookbook in Duluth. 1 p.m. at The Bookstore at Fitger’s.
Saturday, May 18: Evening with the Stars Gala at the Shell Lake Arts Center, Wisconsin. 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: S.S. Meteor & Old Firehouse & Police Museum grand re-opening in Superior, Wisconsin. 12 p.m.