TOMAH, Wis. (WKBT) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has officially closed US 12 and Interstate 94 beyond I-90/94 to U.S. 12/WIS 27 "because of a fire."
DOT's 511 service confirmed the news just after 6:30 p.m.
The fire is likely the controlled burn that Fort McCoy confirmed it was conducting this afternoon as part of a training session. According to the DNR's fire management dashboard, the fire has damaged 2,400 acres.Â
At 8:25 p.m. Wednesday, Fort McCoy issued the following statement:
"We are aware of a wildfire in progress on Fort McCoy’s Northeast border. Installation officials are working with local and regional fire departments to ascertain the extent of the fire. Preventing loss of life and property damage is the main priority at this time. Local residents are encouraged to follow local fire department direction and guidance. No further details are available at this time. More information will come as soon as it is available."
DOT has updated a detour for eastbound traffic to take Highway 27 South to I-90 and then I-90 East back to I-90/94. Westbound drivers would use the reverse of those directions.
Smoke from the fire spread to Warrens. Monroe County law enforcement is telling anyone residing in the area of Arcadia Ave, Archer Rd, Blueberry Rd, Archive Ave, and US Highway 12 in that area, to "evacuate immediately."
Evacuation shelters for the displaced in Warrens are set up at the Warrens Log Cabin Lions Building at 601 Pine St.
Tomah Police posted later Wednesday evening that "all northbound traffic on US 12/N. Superior Ave. at State Highway 21 is blocked to aid in the efforts with the fire north of Tomah. Officers are dealing with a considerable amount of traffic. Please avoid this area."
The developments come on the same day Governor Tony Evers issued a state of emergency due to high fire risk statewide. Communities all across the News 8 viewing area had been instituting burn bans this week ahead of the governor's announcement.
News 8 Now will update this piece as more information becomes available.
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Ken is ecstatic to work in his home state of Wisconsin. After graduating from UW-Madison in 2017 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, he got his career started in Sports. He spent two years as a Weekend Sports Anchor at the CBS affiliate station in Bismarck, North Dakota, and then spent the last three years as WKBT’s Sports Director. Ken is humbled and excited to be promoted to News Anchor at 5, 6, and 10, and while he won’t be anchoring sports anymore, he’ll still be following all Wisconsin sports teams and Coulee Region high school athletics. Ken and his wife Leah love the La Crosse area and are excited to stick around WKBT and keep working on their house!
Favorite band: It varies by day. He’d say he’s pretty eclectic.
Favorite movie: Inception
Family: Wife Leah and their two dogs: 2-year-old black Lab named Bear, and 3-month old golden retriever named Bella.
Pizza: Pepperoni and bacon
Sports teams: All Wisconsin teams, especially the Brewers and Packers
Thing he’s bad at: Drawing, or basically anything you’d do in Art class
Favorite way to spend a day off?: Playing tennis with Leah, having some fun meals, and then spending time together with the puppies
