Fire Danger is High

Spring wildfire season is upon us and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging the public to check fire danger before conducting outdoor burning activities. The DNR says nearly 170 wildfires have burned over 450 acres already this year. That is four times more than a typical year at this time. Dry weather and gusty winds are expected Thursday and Friday, leading to the potential for increased wildfire activity.

Burn permit suspensions will be in effect in several southern and central Wisconsin counties. Some minimal chances of rain are expected over the weekend, but fire officials anticipate the fire danger will be on an upward swing over the coming weeks until there is significant precipitation.

The main cause of wildfires this time of year is burning brush and leaf piles, and debris burning continues to be the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin. Burning permits are required in DNR Protection Areas anytime the ground is not completely snow-covered. Permits are free and can be obtained online or by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876). Once a burn permit has been obtained, the individual must call or go online after 9:00 AM on the day of the planned burn to check daily burn restrictions, such as the legal burning hours, size limitations or if burning has been suspended for the day. Columbia, Crawford, Richland, and Sauk Counties are all in the DNR Protection Area as well as portions of Dane, Grant, Iowa, and Juneau Counties. As of 9:00 Thursday morning, all these areas are in a high fire danger. Some areas of the state are not regulated by the DNR so it’s important to check with local municipal or fire department officials for any ordinances or other burning restrictions.

Sparks from recreational equipment, campfires and hot ashes from fireplaces are also contributing fire causes. Smoldering embers can remain hot for days, even weeks. If using a wood stove or fireplace, empty the ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid or dump them onto bare soil. Then, drown the ashes with water and stir until the embers are completely cold. The same goes for campfires, burn barrels and burned leaf and brush piles. Before leaving the area, drown the ashes, stir and keep adding water until all heat and smoke is gone.