Near Black River Falls in Jackson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Black River Falls Forest Fire
Photographed By Keith L, October 26, 2007
1. Black River Falls Forest Fire Marker
Inscription.
Black River Falls Forest Fire. . On the dry, windy afternoon of April 27, 1977, a forest fire started south of Black River Falls. The fire quickly became a raging crown fire, traveling through the tops of the dense pine forest. This mound, directly in the path of the fire, was burned in just a few minutes time. In the 12 hours it took for the fire to run its course, 14 homes and 17,590 acres of forest land had burned, the village of Millston was spared because of a last minute wind shift. , Most of this area has since been reclaimed naturally by oak and aspen which sprout vigorously after a fire. A small portion of the area was planted with pine, a more valuable tree species. This area has become prime wildlife habitat supporting tremendous deer and small game populations. In 50 years all visual reminders of the Black River Falls fire will be gone.
On the dry, windy afternoon of April 27, 1977, a forest fire started south of Black River Falls. The fire quickly became a raging crown fire, traveling through the tops of the dense pine forest. This mound, directly in the path of the fire, was burned in just a few minutes time. In the 12 hours it took for the fire to run its course, 14 homes and 17,590 acres of forest land had burned, the village of Millston was spared because of a last minute wind shift.
Most of this area has since been reclaimed naturally by oak and aspen which sprout vigorously after a fire. A small portion of the area was planted with pine, a more valuable tree species. This area has become prime wildlife habitat supporting tremendous deer and small game populations. In 50 years all visual reminders of the Black River Falls fire will be gone.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1720.
Location. 44° 14.872′ N, 90° 44.219′ W. Marker is near Black River Falls, Wisconsin, in Jackson County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 94 at milepost 121, on the right when traveling west. Marker is southeast of Black River Falls at westbound Rest Area 54. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Black River Falls WI 54615, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,505 times since then and 120 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
