Smoky skies caused by controlled burn

For those driving in the area near Highway 45 and Highway G last Tuesday in Eagle River and noticed that the sky was filled with smoke and haze toward the east, the conditions were not caused by wildfires or structure fires. Instead, what many saw was a smoky result of a controlled tree and brush burn by a local company looking to expand its operation.

Concrete Specialists received a permit by Vilas County to burn cut trees on a portion of its property to allow a clear area for the building of an additional structure as the company celebrates 50 years of service to the community.

Brian and Jenny Hissom have owned the company for more than 15 years after purchasing it from Rick and Joan Hissom who operated in the area for more than 30 years dating back to 1975. This leaves the family operation in place for five decades and, according to the owners, likely more decades ahead as younger members of the family have shown an interest in the concrete industry.

Luke Hissom, for example, is the 21-year-old son of the owners and he managed the burning of the trees using heavy machinery to control the size of the fire and the amount of smoke hitting the area.

The young Hissom stayed on the property throughout the day and into the evening to ensure a safe and successful burn of the cut trees and other vegetation. Vilas County permit rules require that an approved burn be completely clear of fire and smoke before the property can be left alone.

Burning trees and other brush is legal in the county only under the controlled conditions spelled out in a permit.

After the tree burning process is complete, Concrete Specialists will begin the foundation work on a planned 5,000 square foot building. While there were many trees cut down in the expansion project, company officials say that they will monitor the final results and will look to plant additional trees if needed to keep a pleasant aesthetic look from public areas. In the end, the company says that the new structure will help better serve current and future residents, builders, and business customers.