MERILL, Wisconsin (WAOW) — Officials are speaking out about bonfire safety after an explosion in Shawano County took more than a dozen people to hospital.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the investigation into the October 14 Pulaski bonfire.
They identified about 60 people at the bonfire, at least half of whom needed treatment for severe burns.
They believe the explosion was caused by a partially filled oil drum filled with a mixture of gas and diesel fuel thrown into the flames.
“Never use accelerators of any kind,” said Tad Wegener, battalion commander of the Merrill Fire Department.
They said people should only burn clean wood and use bonfires such as twigs and leaves to start the fire.
“Start with dry wood and if it works, the rest should be fine,” Wegener said.
For bonfires, first contact your local fire department to determine the permits and conditions required for burning, and if it is a larger fire, have the area inspected.
“Come to your local fire department and find out what you want to do. They’ll give you a very good overview and ideas of what you should do,” Wegener said. rice field.
When it comes to knowing when a fire is going out of control, officials say trusting your gut is the best way to go.
“So when you start seeing sparks land and fires starting to creep in, it’s always a good idea to have a source of water and tools to put out the fires.” Catherine Koele, Wildfire Prevention Specialist at Wisconsin DNR Mr.
They also told us to never light a fire on a windy day and always check the daily burn forecast on the DNR.
