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.
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.
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