Wisconsin Conservation Wardens and Forest Rangers- Local 1215

Our thoughts are with Adam’s family and friends as we mourn the loss of a husband, father, son and a dedicated servant to the natural resources of Wisconsin. Adam died in the line of duty while performing his duties as a Wisconsin DNR Forester.

Wisconsin DNR forester killed by lightning strike near Fond du Lac-Washington County line A forester with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was fatally struck by lightning earlier this week in Washington County, officials announced.

Forestry Firefighters from Wisconsin at work up in Canada, eh.

With wildfire season raging across the western US and Canada, Wisconsin DNR crews are lending a helping hand. So far this year, Wisconsin has sent personnel and fire engines on more than 65 out-of-state assignments—including to Oregon, California, and northern Manitoba—to support firefighting and recovery efforts.

Thanks to recent rains and low fire risk here at home, the DNR has been able to mobilize more resources to areas in need. From managing incident response to working on the front lines, Wisconsin crews are gaining valuable experience while helping protect communities across North America.

“It’s a way for us to improve our program here," Catherine Koele, a Wisconsin DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist, told Civic Media. "They share those experiences. 'Hey, we did this thing out in Oregon and it was really cool and a neat way to fight this fire.' Those strategies are brought back to the state, and we learn and grow from those experiences when we bring those resources back.”