A fire call in Baileys Harbor on Monday afternoon served as a reminder that an uncontrolled blaze can start up quickly, even during the middle of winter. Baileys Harbor Fire Chief Brian Zak says crews responded around 1:30 p.m. when something on a power pole shorted out on the riser and dropped down on the ground, starting a small grass fire near the intersection of West Kangaroo Lake Road and Fairview Road. Zak notes that the fire burned itself out and scorched only about a ten by 20-foot area. Although the fire was not caused by burning, Fire Chief Zak advises you to be extremely careful when you do any outside burning and to acquire the necessary permits in advance.
The National Weather Service forecasts above-normal temperatures and no precipitation for the next week, meaning even drier and potentially more dangerous conditions.