Fire Crews Contain 20-Acre Brush Fire Near Onalaska on Sunday 

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The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local fire districts responded to a 20-acre brush fire that broke out in the 300 block of Gish Road near Onalaska on Sunday. 

Crews from Lewis County Fire Districts 1 and 5 responded around 4 p.m. and were soon joined by DNR and a crew from District 8. 

The fire’s forward progression was stopped at 7 p.m. and the fire was fully contained around 8 p.m. 

No structures were threatened, according to fire personnel. 

Most of the fire crews left after the fire was contained but before they did, neighbors from the surrounding area came over to offer the firefighters cold refreshments. 



“The neighbors were amazing,” said Kathy Kassel, of District 1. “They were so supportive.” 

A group of neighborhood children who were excited to see the local fire engines and the DNR helicopters dropping water on the fire even gathered around to wave the firefighters goodbye. 

“It’s a good feeling,” said Kassel. 

District 1 stayed on the scene monitoring the fire throughout the night and DNR took over early Monday morning to continue monitoring and to begin mop-up.