Town of Big Flats, Adams County, Wisconsin

05/14/2026

05/06/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfbEcMeYFFA

125 likes. "Your Home and Wildfire. Choices That Can Make a Difference."

05/05/2026

We continue at Very High fire danger again today: WisBurn. In fact, the fire danger was at Very High 21 years ago today when the Cottonville Fire burned 3,410 acres in Adams County, Wisconsin.



The Cottonville Fire occurred on May 5, 2005 in northern Adams County. The fire rapidly spread through grass, needles and brush to the tops of the pine trees close by. Utilized resourced included 38 tractor plows, 25 forest rangers with Type-7 4x4s, three low ground units, six heavy dozers and almost 200 DNR personnel to control and eventually suppress the wildfire. Air resources cooled the flanks for ground crews and dropped water and fire retardant on structures. Thanks to the efforts of approximately 20 fire departments, an estimated 300 buildings were saved. Unfortunately, 9 year-round residences, 21 seasonal homes and at least 60 outbuildings were completely destroyed.



With the elevated fire conditions today, this is the perfect opportunity to go a little deeper. What was it like to be a homeowner who lived through the Cottonville Fire? What is your level of commitment to preparing your own home for wildfire? Watch this video (8:48 minutes) to find out: Wildfire in Wisconsin: Would your home survive?

Wildfire in Wisconsin: Would Your Home Survive? tells the story of George Voyles, a homeowner who followed Firewise recommendations when he moved to his rura...

05/05/2026

21 years ago today. PLEASE think before you burn.!! This was here in the Town of Big Flats.

05/04/2026

We have elevated fire conditions today, May 4, 2026.
It’s warm, windy and dry.

Burning permits are suspended and today is a day for caution.

In addition to the weather conditions, Wisconsin’s greatest tree species of concern, pines, are in a phenomenon called the “spring dip.” During this time (typically April 14-May 15), moisture content in the needles is low while the starch content is high. This combination, which is not visible to the naked eye, means that pine trees are more likely to catch fire during a wildfire and crown fires (fires in the tree tops) are possible. The timing of this phenomenon coincides with the greening-up of ground vegetation and leafing out of trees, which can cause people to let their guard down.

Let’s not let our guard down today, people. Only WE can prevent wildfires!

04/23/2026

It's that time of year. PLEASE think before you burn. The Adams County DNR will be staging equipment. That means staff will be spending their day in a truck here at our town hall. Waiting for a call. Please don't let that happen.

04/21/2026

Roads closed
Chicago Ave. 1/4 mile west of 8th Dr.

16th Ave. Between Chicago Ave. & Buttercup Ave.