On Wednesday at 2:22 p.m. the Merrill Fire Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources were dispatched for a tree that fell across a power line off Forest Drive and Council Grounds Drive. Smoke was coming up through the trees.
Engine 62, Medic 61, Brush 66 and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Deputy responded to Forest drive. Upon arrival it was determined that power lines were down on the ground and there was additional fire in Council Grounds in the area of the beach. Brush 66, Lincoln County Deputy and Merrill DNR Ranger responded to Council Grounds. The beach area was evacuated and the scene was secured for by-standers safety.
Wisconsin Public Service was called to evaluate and disconnect power to the lines that were on the ground. Power was disconnected and the lines were grounded so that fire crews could safely extinguish the ground fires that were caused by the downed power lines.
Fire crews from Engine 61, Brush 66 and Merrill DNR Ranger extinguished the fires by use of hand lines, bladder bags and hand tools. The total area of the fire involvement is being determined by Merrill DNR Ranger.