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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.
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.
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
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.