Fall Fires with High Winds: What to Know this Weekend

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – The breezy, crisp fall feel could spark a problem, as foliage falls and drought sneaks back into the state.

Cooler nights tend to lead people outside for relaxation and warmth by a bonfire. Or to burn piles of brush in their yards. This time of year in particular, you have to be careful, for a few reasons.

Just like Spring, Autumn is another time of year when the fire danger can crank up.

“Smokey Bear is a symbol of fire prevention countrywide. For decades he’s been a spokesperson for we as humans are the leading cause of wildfires in the country. The bear is a reminder of the consequences and what we need to do to prevent wildfires from happening.” says Amy Penn with the Wisconsin DNR. “But people don’t like you to mess with their burning.”

Campers and hunters are currently using fire for warming and cooking. While plenty of Wisconsinites like to clean their yards and dispose of debris before the snow starts to fly.

But, as the trees, plants and grass begin to hibernate or die for the winter ahead, we’ve just placed a bunch of fire food on the floor. Mixed with the increasing winds as the seasons shift. It’s a recipe for wildfires.

“Check before you burn is a big message.” says Penn, “Maybe it’s allowed but is it a good idea if it’s looking kind of windy?”

In Fall, we get waves in the weather, a roller coaster, a battle of the seasons if you will. Which is why the winds get so strong. It’s Earth trying to balance the temperatures. But as the poles freeze and the equator stays warm, we are stuck in the crossfire of increasing winds.

During these times it’s also common to have very dry Canadian air moving in, dropping dew points and humidity, low. So low that it can sometimes evaporate rain. In these cases, it’s an atmosphere ready to ignite. This was the case earlier this week, when Wisconsin’s fire risk soared to VERY HIGH on Tuesday for parts of the state.

It’s important to keep in mind that the fire risk doesn’t take into consideration the state currently slipping into a drought.

“It’s good to be aware of how dry is it, how crunchy the grass is… make those decisions carefully.” Penn says.

Severe drought is now being reported in far northeast parts of the state. Including Door, Marinette, Forest, Florence and parts of Oconto, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties. Residents are reporting roads are dusty, vegetation is brown and drying up as leaves are hitting peak color.

So never let the fire get too big or the flames too high. Stay at least 20 feet away from homes, trees, bushes or anything that can set fire. Be sure to clear the fallen foliage from around the fire, too.

“Always have a safe fire. Watch it and have the proper tools, like a source of water or a shovel. Monitor your fire and make sure it’s fully extinguished before walking away from it. Sometimes a fire is not out and embers can loft in the air and ignite a wildfire.” says Penn. “Mix the coals around, make sure it’s really out.”

The number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin is burning debris. Which refers people cleaning up their yards, putting sticks, leaves, junk and scraps all in a pile and igniting it.

“It’s very different from how we look at a campfire. That’s clean dry firewood for warming and cooking. It’s not the same as leaves and twigs lofting into the air. Picture it.” said Penn.

Which is why a burning permit is needed.

“It may be allowed from 6 PM to midnight. The reason we do that is because it’s the safest time of day, when the winds calm down and humidity increases again.” explains Penn from Wisconsin DNR.

Get a permit: Obtain a free permit online instantly with an email address. Or call the hotline 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily to have a burning permit mailed to you.

Check before burning: After 9 a.m. on the day you wish to burn, check the daily burning restrictions and select the county where you plan to burn. Fire conditions change quickly, so it’s important to check each day you burn to find out if burning is allowed, burning hours and any size limitations.

Follow the rules: Follow the daily burning restrictions and fire safety recommendations listed on the permit. Make sure to have all the necessary tools to keep your fire contained. Lastly, make sure your fire is completely out before leaving.

As for the campers and backyard small bonfires, be aware of the weather. Check the winds, humidity and drought conditions before you burn. Penn with the Wisconsin DNR says, the drought and winds is why the risk is spiking now. Especially for mowing operations.

This weekend’s weather in Wisconsin is forecasted to be feisty, too. Winds will be whipping up to 40 mph at times across the state. Mainly out of the south on Saturday, warming us up. Then out of the northwest Sunday, cooling us down.

Good news is, a bit of rain is in the forecast. Arriving along a cold front sweeping in Saturday night. However, not enough to really reverse the dry conditions.