On Saturday evening, Sauk County emergency responders were dispatched to a report of an intentional fire in the woods off Lehman Road in Sumpter Township. The call came just after 6:45 p.m., prompting a rapid deployment of local fire units.
Coordinated response from multiple agencies
When the first crews arrived, they began direct suppression efforts while assessing the size of the blaze. Because the fire was spreading in dense woodland and access was limited, Sauk Fire Command activated a mutual‑aid box alarm, calling for additional resources from surrounding departments.
Units that answered the alarm included the Sauk County Fire Department, Sauk City Fire Department, Sauk Prairie Ambulance, Merrimac Fire & Rescue, Baraboo Area Fire & EMS District, Plain Fire & EMS, Mazomanie Fire Department, Black Earth Fire Department, Middleton Fire District, and several Wisconsin DNR ranger units from Spring Green, Poynette, Wisconsin Dells, and the Conservation Warden. The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and the Sauk County Communications Center also provided support.
Equipment and tactics used
Firefighters employed water backpacks, hand tools, and off‑road vehicles to reach the remote area. Sauk Fire’s UTV, Plain Fire’s ATV, and the DNR’s heavy‑duty unit were deployed to deliver water and create firebreaks. By 8:15 p.m., the fire was considered knocked down, and crews continued mop‑up operations until the blaze was fully extinguished at 9:41 p.m.
Suspect arrested
Investigators determined the fire was set deliberately. Shortly after firefighters arrived on scene, a suspect was located and taken into custody by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s department has not released the individual’s name pending further investigation, and the motive remains under review.
Community impact and safety reminder
The swift, collaborative effort prevented the fire from threatening nearby homes or expanding into larger forested areas. County officials praised the coordinated response and reminded residents that intentional fires are a serious crime that endangers lives, property, and natural resources.
Anyone with information about the incident or similar activities is urged to contact the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
