Avoid Burning: Wisconsin Experiencing High Fire Danger This Weekend

MADISON, Wis. – With no significant rainfall across much of the state expected over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) once again asks the public to avoid burning due to elevated fire danger. 

Some locations in northern Wisconsin have now gone over 30 days without precipitation. A combined lack of rainfall, low humidity and breezy conditions significantly increase fire danger this weekend and into the start of next week. 

The weekend forecast includes an incoming cold front that is predicted to bring wind gusts over 30 miles per hour on Saturday into Saturday night for some parts of the state. Due to the forecasted conditions, the National Weather Service is predicting elevated fire weather concerns this weekend into early next week. 

On windy, dry days, embers from any fire, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily escape control and cause a wildfire if not properly extinguished. 

The DNR has already responded to over 80 wildfires across Wisconsin in the past week, burning 182 acres, bringing the yearly total to 244 fires burning over 500 acres. The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning.

If you plan to spend time outside this weekend, the DNR asks you to avoid all outdoor burning, including debris burning and limiting the use of campfires and bonfires. Be sure to discard hot ashes from woodstoves or fireplaces in a metal container until cold. Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with any off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. 

Due to current and forecasted conditions, the DNR is suspending annual burn permits in DNR protection areas across the northern two-thirds of the state. If your property is outside the DNR's jurisdiction, please check with local authorities before 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

• Report fires early by calling 911; don't try to put out a fire by yourself. 
• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in many counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure dragging trailer chains to avoid creating sparks.
• Never operate drones/unmanned aircraft over or near fires – it endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and interferes with fire suppression operations.

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.