Elevated Fire Danger Spreads Statewide

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Some of the state has been raised to a VERY HIGH fire danger risk, as warm weather and winds act as fuel for wildfires that already took the life of one Wisconsinite.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to avoid burning this week due to elevated fire danger throughout the state. 

Warm temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions are in the forecast to start this week. Although parts of the state are predicted to see rain on Wednesday, the precipitation is expected to miss the Northwoods.

And on windy, dry days, embers from any fire, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily escape control and cause a wildfire. Especially with all the dry and dead vegetation around.

The DNR raised the risk level statewide to high on Monday and today bumped areas of the Northwoods and central Wisconsin to a VERY HIGH risk.

This year the DNR has already responded to over 50 wildfires across Wisconsin this week alone, bringing the yearly total to 193 fires burning 356 acres. The DNR only responded to seven wildfires across Wisconsin at this point last year. The majority of these recent wildfires have been due to debris burning.

In Shawano County last week, a wildfire left one person dead and another injured after a brush fire lost control in Navarino. It happened on Thursday morning of March 7th. Responders found an active wildfire near the area of Wildwood Road near Townline Road. A caller said her husband was still in the area where the fire was burning. Deputies entered the area and found the man dead. The woman was transported to the hospital for burn treatment. Thankfully, fire crews were able to contain the fire from spreading even further.

The Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center shows current fires ongoing right now near us, in Minnesota.

• If you plan to spend time outdoors this week, the DNR asks you to avoid all outdoor burning, including debris burning and campfires/bonfires.

• Be sure to discard hot ashes from woodstoves or fireplaces in a metal container until cold.

• Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with any off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. 

The DNR is also suspending annual burn permits in all DNR protection areas across the state due to current and forecasted conditions. If your property is outside the DNR’s jurisdiction, please check with local authorities prior to burning. Check the DNR’s website to learn if your property is within the DNR’s jurisdiction.

Always check before you burn. Remember – fire danger and burning restrictions change every day.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Report fires early by calling 911.
• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in many counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure dragging trailer chains to avoid creating sparks.
• Do not try to suppress a fire by yourself.
• Never operate drones/unmanned aircraft over or near fires — it endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and interferes with fire suppression operations.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR’s website.

For a more comprehensive view of current fire activity, visit the DNR’s wildfire dashboard.