Firefighters Extinguish Heavy Equipment Fire at Dane County Landfill

At 7:36 p.m. on February 13, 2026, Ladder 14 was dispatched to the Dane County Landfill, located at 7102 Maahic Way, for a Bravo-level response to a reported outside fire. Ladder 14 responded from quarters without delay or complication.

Upon arrival, crews gained access to the closed and secured facility via the eastern gate using a Knox Box override. No employees were initially on scene. Firefighters were unable to immediately determine the source of the fire, as it was located at the top of the landfill and out of direct line of sight. Due to the lack of substantial roadway access, the ladder apparatus could not approach the fire area directly.

Ladder 14 proceeded on foot approximately one-quarter mile from the roadway and located a large bulldozer fully involved in fire. The equipment appeared to have been burning for an extended period, with substantial fire damage already evident. Due to access challenges, additional resources were requested.

Following consultation with Car 31, mutual aid was requested from the Cottage Grove Fire Department. Cottage Grove Brush 1 was dispatched and subsequently requested Cottage Grove Tender 1 for water supply support.

While awaiting mutual aid, L14 deployed two ABC dry chemical extinguishers obtained from nearby equipment, as well as a water can; however, these efforts were ineffective due to the intensity of the fire.

Cottage Grove Brush 1 arrived on scene at 8:10 p.m. and initiated fire suppression operations. Cottage Grove Tender 1 arrived at 8:17 p.m. to assist. Fire crews achieved knockdown of the fire at approximately 8:27 p.m.

The landfill Director identified the equipment as a John Deere Dozer, valued at approximately $700,000. He reported that the dozer had experienced a fire earlier in the day at approximately 3:45 p.m. in its “belly pan,” which had been packed with loose refuse.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.

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