Butter to blame for large blaze in Columbia County

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Jan 5, 2023 4:31 PM CDT

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Butter is to blame for a large blaze that happened in Columbia County on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), approximately 20 gallons of butter spilled and started a fire at the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. -- located in Portage.

DNR staff reported the butter entered the adjacent canal via a storm sewer. The DNR says absorbent booms were deployed in the canal to contain the discharged material. The butter has since been removed.

According to the DNR, most of the butter that left the facility exited via a sanitary sewer and traveled to the wastewater treatment plant.

Wastewater plant personnel have been clearing out the butter since the incident occurred.

The treatment plant has operated effectively without disruption, though some temporary exceedances are anticipated.

So far, environmental impacts are minimal -- according to the DNR.

The investigation is ongoing.