You cannot see the smoke or the destruction for yourself, but the forest fire raging near Fort McCoy in western Wisconsin could serve multiple important reminders here in Door and Kewaunee counties. Multiple agencies around the state are involved in the blaze that started earlier this week that has since burned almost 3,000 acres, forced several evacuations, and even closed down I-94 for several hours due to smoke. While federal agencies are involved in battling the wildfire, many of the responding firefighters are from volunteer departments in communities like Bangor and Warrens. Crews are working in 12-hour shifts to help keep the fire from spreading further, though it is still only 46 percent contained as of Friday morning. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht says large efforts like this show the need to keep recruiting volunteers to join their ranks and the sacrifices the profession requires.

Hecht says there is a possibility that some firefighters from Door County may have to head west to join the effort, but he does not know if a mass deployment from their departments will be required. He also emphasizes that people should take a break from burning until it is safe to do. You can get more updates on the fire by clicking this link.

Picture courtesy of Amy Bryant, who lives near the evacuation zone of what is being known as the Arcadia fire.