Progress Made
Incident: Blockhouse Wildfire
Released: 5/22/2009
NR 09 22
For Immediate Release
Contact: Suzanne Flory (715) 362-1354
U.S. Forest Service Makes Good Headway on Wildland Fires
Rhinelander, WI May 21, 2009 - Substantial progress was made today to control and contain the numerous fires that started on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) on Wednesday. At one point there were 13 fires across the Forest. Out of those 13 only three remain active, one of those being the Blockhouse Lake fire 7 miles east of Park Falls.
As of Thursday evening the 112 acre Blockhouse Lake fire was 75% contained. Four homes, 3 of which were seasonal residences, were lost in the fire as well as 3 out buildings. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. "Air support dropped over 55,000 gallons of water on the Blockhouse Lake fire yesterday. Along with that and the great work from the volunteer fire departments we were able to save over 20 homes." said Jim Grant, CNNF Fire Management Officer.
Full containment is expected by the end of the day Friday for all three fires. Visitors to the Forest are reminded that they should use extra caution as dry conditions are expected to persist over the next several days.
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