Ixonia homeowner attempts controlled burn, fire loses control

IXONIA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- According to the Ixonia Fire Department, they received a call around 7:50 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 near County Rd., north of I-94 for a controlled burn that was out of control.

Authorities say a homeowner started a controlled burn of a heavy brush pile measuring 40' x 60' earlier in the day, despite winds being well over 10 mph. The fire was not catching, so homeowner let it sit and then forgot about it, until it flared up and was threatening some pine trees that were planted for privacy.

The fire department was called, and firefighters monitored the fire until it died down and was safe to let burn out.

No structures or injuries were reported.

It is not yet known if the homeowner will be cited.

The Ixonia Fire Department wants people to know that starting controlled burns is against town ordinances if winds are over 10 mph.

For more information, please see Town of Ixonia website for current ordinances.