Safety
- News
Extreme Fire Danger Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 2 to 8 p.m. for the following counties in northwest Wisconsin: Burnett and Washburn.
- News
Debris From Recent Storms And Dry Forecast Increase Risk Of Wildfires
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to check fire danger and burn permit restrictions before conducting outdoor burning activities, as the spring fire season is underway and recent storms have increased the amount of debris on the landscape across much of Wisconsin.
- News
Columbia County Floodwaters Drop, Emergency Operations Center Winds Down
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that floodwaters in the Portage area continue to recede and are predicted to drop further over the next several days. The DNR will continue to monitor water levels as the Columbia County Emergency Operation Center returns to normal operations and damages are assessed.
- News
Flood Waters Begin To Recede At Portage; Road Closures Remain, Well Water Testing Offered
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the Wisconsin River at Portage peaked at 20.47 feet in the afternoon yesterday, April 16, 2026, nearly reaching the highest water level on record of 20.66 feet. While the river level did not set a new record and currently rests at 19.9 feet, it did impact several areas of the Caledonia-Lewiston levee, prompting the evacuation of the Blackhawk neighborhood, and raised enough concern to sandbag a 2-mile stretch of I-39 at the Highway 33 exit.
- News
Historic Flooding Of Wisconsin River Threatens Portage Community; Critical Infrastructure At Risk
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that local officials are responding to historic flooding along the Wisconsin River as water levels continue to rise, placing significant strain on levee systems and threatening to breach in the Portage area. There is concern regarding the integrity of the Caledonia Levee, south of Highway 33 near Blackhawk Park.
- News
Wisconsin River Rising In Columbia County; DNR Continues To Monitor
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that as of 12:45 p.m. today, April 16, the Wisconsin River is at 19.85 feet, major flood stage and is continuing to rise. The National Weather Service predicts the river to crest at 21.0 feet tomorrow, April 17, at 7 a.m.
- News
DNR Warns That Heavy Rain And Flooding Can Contaminate Private Wells
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages private well owners to consider testing their drinking water after significant rainfall and flooding. Heavy rains, such as those that swept through much of Wisconsin the past week and may happen again in the coming days, can impact drinking water quality.
- News
Pine Island State Wildlife Area Closed Due To Flooding
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Pine Island State Wildlife Area is currently closed until further notice due to major flood levels on the Wisconsin River in the Portage area, to protect public health and safety. The property will be reopened when flood waters recede and it is safe to do so.
- News
DNR Monitoring Portage-Area Levees Due To Rising Flood Levels
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Wisconsin River is expected to rise to major flood levels in the Portage area on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
- News
DNR Reminds Hunters And Recreators To Put Safety First As Spring Turkey Season Starts
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be aware and stay safe during the 2026 spring turkey season, April 15 – May 26.