Contact: Catherine Koele, DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist
Catherine.Koele@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-9075
Extreme Fire Danger Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Red Flag Warning Issued For 5 Northwest Wisconsin Counties
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for several counties in northwest Wisconsin.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the following counties in northwest Wisconsin:
Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer and Washburn.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Hot temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry fuels from ongoing lack of precipitation are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.
The DNR will prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits where the DNR has burn restriction authority in areas with elevated fire danger. The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any fires from recent days to make sure they have been properly extinguished.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution until the fire weather and the fuel conditions improve.
The DNR responded to over 130 wildfires in the last week. Several fires occurred throughout northern Wisconsin, the same area where much of the Red Flag Warning has been declared.
Yesterday, two large wildfires broke out in Wisconsin. The Warthog Fire in Juneau County burned an estimated 130 acres and resulted in the evacuation of homes in the town of Kingston and the community of Mather before being controlled. The Swiss Complex Fire in Burnett County consisted of two fires that burned an estimated 60 acres and one structure before being controlled.
Severe conditions persist across much of the state, and the threat of a large wildfire remains extremely high. The DNR is at full staffing and preparedness across the state to respond to any incidents, and the Army National Guard has two Blackhawk helicopters available for mobilization.
Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.
