Drought Status Leads to Fire Danger

Fire danger is high today. The D-N-R is enforcing burn bans in many areas due to dry conditions caused by a lack of precipitation the past month and the drying of vegetation this fall. Most of Wisconsin is experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. Richland County and the surrounding area is currently considered to be in a moderate drought condition. The fire danger is also high. The combination of low relative humidity, gusty south winds, and dry fuels will result in elevated fire weather conditions this afternoon across southwest into central Wisconsin. Afternoon relative humidity values will fall into the lower to mid 20 percents with south winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusting from 25 to 35 mph. Under these conditions, fires will start and spread easily.

Due to fire weather conditions, burning is not allowed today. All DNR-issued burning permits are suspended. Burning in barrels, debris piles, and grass or wooded areas with your DNR annual burning permit is prohibited. Campfires, though strongly discouraged, are allowed if used solely for cooking or warming purposes, but please use extreme caution. Consider having small campfires in a designated fire ring or device in the evening hours to avoid burning under elevated fire conditions typically found during the day. There have already been eight wildfires this week across the state. You can visit the DNR’s website to see the most recent dashboard at apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/#.