FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2024
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

DNR Suppressing 6.5-Acre Wildfire At Roche-A-Cri State Park In Adams County

The DNR and local agencies are suppressing a 6.5-acre fire at Roche-A-Cri State Park, which started Sunday afternoon. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

FRIENDSHIP, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire crews and local agencies have contained the 6.5-acre Stairway Fire at Roche-A-Cri State Park in Adams County.

Officials say the fire began on the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound stairway around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. 

The fire is burning in pine needles and leaf litter with minimal torching to trees. Fire crews worked Sunday evening using hose and hand lines to build containment lines. Ten local fire departments have been working with DNR crews to contain the fire.

The Nature Conservancy and the UW-Stevens Point Fire Crew are currently assisting with mop-up. They will continue to look for smoke and burning materials within the fire perimeter.

The park's main gate is closed for the season, and the property is closed to the public until further notice. The stairway has been damaged, and fire crews continue to work in the park.

The lack of precipitation in recent weeks has resulted in increased fire danger. This, coupled with low relative humidity and very gusty winds, has led to increased wildfire activity across the state and will continue this week.

For the most current fire situation and DNR burn permit restrictions, visit WisBurn. For current and historic wildfire activity, visit the DNR's Wildfire Dashboard.