Special Fire Order For Burn Permits Lifted

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the burning permit requirement in 12 southern Wisconsin counties is now lifted.

The rescinding of this Special Fire Order applies to the following 12 extensive DNR protection area counties outside incorporated cities and villages: all of Columbia, Crawford, Green Lake, Marquette, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Waupaca, Waushara counties and portions of Dane, Grant and Iowa counties.

The original permit reinstatement went into effect on Sept. 18, 2023, due to prolonged drought. A Special Fire Order allows the DNR to suspend burning when the fire danger is elevated.

Recent rain events have improved the overall fire danger and drought situation to allow the department to resume normal burning permit requirements for this time of year. Traditionally, DNR burn permits are required in extensive protection areas from Jan. 1 through May 31, anytime the ground is not snow-covered.

According to the National Weather Service, severe to extreme drought conditions impacted much of southern Wisconsin in late-summer and fall. Several soaking rain events and cooler temperatures aided in the drought recovery, relieving the overall fire danger concerns. 

The public is still urged to be careful when having any kind of fire, as the fire danger changes daily and it’s important to check with local fire officials before conducting any outdoor burning.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.