9/12/2025

ONEIDA / VILAS COUNTIES - Lightning is suspected to be the cause of multiple fires in the Oneida and Vilas County border areas over the last few days. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue reported two significant fires and at least four smaller lightning strikes on Tuesday. The department said fire resources were heavily strained due to the close timing of the strikes but credited the Wisconsin Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) for ensuring adequate coverage. Fire departments from across the Northwoods came in to assist. In Sugar Camp, a home on Kaldec Drive caught fire. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, among others, responded to this incident. In a Facebook post, the department noted several challenges, including water supply issues and tankers getting stuck due to deteriorating road conditions caused by the storms. In St. Germain, Waldmann’s Construction lost its paint and cabinet shop to a fire. Waldmann’s expressed gratitude to local fire departments for containing the blaze to just that shop. The White Stag in Sugar Camp also reported a fire caused by a lightning strike, with hopes that the damage is minimal and they can reopen this Friday.