April 11, 2024 – Fond du Lac Co., WI – On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at approximately 6:13 p.m. a deputy with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office observed heavy smoke in the area of Lakeshore Drive and Cemetery Road in the Town of Friendship. As the deputy approached the area, he observed a large section of marshlands west of N9414 Lakeshore Drive on fire.
Van Dyne Fire Department along with Eldorado Fire, Town of Fond du Lac Fire, North Fond du Lac Fire, Lamartine Fire, and Nekimi Fire were all dispatched to the scene. Fire crews worked to stop the fire from spreading to nearby tree lines, eventually containing it to only the marshland.
Investigation indicates that the property owners at N9414 Lakeshore Drive were conducting a controlled burn that accidentally spread to the marsh. The fire is not believed to be suspicious.
Approximately 30 acres of marshland were consumed by the fire. No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged.
City of Fond du Lac Police Department was requested to the scene to assist in utilizing their aerial drones FLIR imaging to detect hot spots, due to difficulties in maneuvering through the marsh. Also assisting on scene was the Wisconsin State Patrol with traffic control on Lakeshore Drive.
Property Owners:
N9414 Lakeshore Drive – Denise and Rick Ottman
W6273 Lincoln Rd – Ronald Goldapske – Marsh Property Owner
