Town of Monroe – The Green County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bridge fire as an arson. 

The Green County Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:25 a.m. from a resident in the area reporting a fire to the bridge for the Badger State Recreation Trail at Round Grove Road. Monroe Rural Fire Department along with Juda Fire Department and Monticello Fire Department responded to the scene along with Sheriff’s Deputies.

Responding units located the wooden structured bridge engulfed in flames. Fire Fighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire. The bridge was constructed for the railroad bed prior to being converted to the recreational trail. The bridge sustained extensive damage from the fire and was previously damage from a motor vehicle crash on July 1, 2022. The overall damage posed a public safety risk for motorists and recreational trail users due to the structural instability.  

The Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau responded to the scene. A detective with specialized training in arson investigations determined the fire was set by a deliberate act. The Sheriff’s Office investigation is underway, Detectives ask for anybody on the recreational trail or roadway that may have observed suspicious activity in the overnight hours to report it to Green County Crime Stoppers.

Green County Highway Department responded and evaluated the bridge.  Based off the evaluation by Highway Department, Monroe Rural Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office it was determined the bridge would be removed to protect motorist and recreational trail users. The roadway will be closed for the duration of the day while the bridge is removed.  

Green County Crime Stoppers can be contacted by phone at 1-800-I-C-CRIME or online at https://www.greencountycrimestoppers.com/