On Saturday, August 9th, 2025, a lightning strike at Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin left two hikers injured. The incident occurred at the Emma Carlin Ice Age Trail Head, leading to a swift rescue operation by Palmyra Fire Rescue and other aid teams. The incident highlights the serious dangers of outdoor recreation and the importance of keeping an eye on the weather while out in nature.
Lightning Strike at Kettle Moraine State Forest
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch contacted Palmyra Fire Rescue in regards to the incident at approximately 4:14pm on Saturday. A male hiker had reportedly been struck by lightning and was not breathing. Dispatch pinged the calling phone at the nearest address of W566 Carlin Road. The pinged location was the Emma Carlin Ice Age Trail Head leading into Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Palmyra EMS responded and requested mutual aid at approximately 4:15pm. A paramedic intercept from Western Lakes and Sullivan Fire Department responded with a UTV due to the terrain. The rescue team searched multiple trails alongside a DNR Warden before finding two victims unconscious approximately one mile off the roadway. Signs of a lightning strike were visible on a nearby tree, leading to the conclusion that both patients were in close proximity to the tree at the time of the strike. The female hiker regained consciousness first and assisted the male, who remained semi-conscious.
Rescue and Medical Response
A MABAS box 86-14 was requested for aid assistance. Following an assessment, both patients were extracted from the scene in a coordinated effort that involved multiple fire response units and a UTV. The female hiker declined further care. The male hiker was brought to Aurora Summit in Oconomowoc for further treatment.
Lightning Safety
No outdoor area is safe during a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, get inside. If you can’t get inside a building or vehicle, observe the following:
- Stay away from open areas. You don’t want to be the tallest object.
- Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers, utility poles, or other tall objects.
- Stay away from metal conductors like wires or fences. While metal does not directly attract lightning, the electricity can travel a substantial distance through the material.
- If you’re in a group of people, spread out. This does increase the chances of someone being struck, but it usually decreases the number of casualties and increases the likelihood that someone could help if someone is struck.
