Ottawa, WI — A stretch of highway in southeastern Wisconsin was temporarily shut down Wednesday evening after a trailer carrying bales of hay caught fire, authorities said.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Highway 67 south of Highway D in the Town of Ottawa, causing both traffic disruption and safety concerns for passing drivers.
Firefighters Respond to Hay Bale Fire
The Western Lakes Fire District posted photos of the blaze on its Facebook page, showing large plumes of smoke rising from the trailer as fire crews worked to control the flames. Officials said the fire broke out on a southbound vehicle towing a trailer filled with hay bales.
Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and closed a section of the highway to prevent further hazards. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“A section of Highway 67 south of Highway D was temporarily closed as crews worked to extinguish the fire and reopen the roadway,” the Western Lakes Fire District said in a statement.
According to WFRV Local 5, additional details about the length of the closure or possible injuries were not immediately available.
Traffic Impact and Safety Measures
The temporary highway closure caused brief traffic delays in the area, but officials said the roadway was reopened once the fire was safely contained and debris was cleared. No structural damage or secondary accidents were reported.
Authorities have not released information regarding the driver of the vehicle or what may have sparked the fire. Hay fires can occur spontaneously due to heat buildup within tightly packed bales, particularly in dry and warm weather conditions.
Community Thanks and Ongoing Updates
Local officials praised the quick response of the Western Lakes Fire District and other first responders who worked to bring the situation under control without further incident.
“Crews acted swiftly to control the flames and ensure driver safety along the highway,” officials noted.
The fire department said updates will be shared as more information becomes available regarding the cause of the blaze or any damages.
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