Wisconsin DNR responds to 120+ wildfires in past week, warns to avoid burning April 20 weekend
(WFRV) – Due to the forecast for the weekend of April 20, and the active week prior for wildfires, the Wisconsin DNR is asking the public to avoid burning due to elevated fire danger.
Officials with the Wisconsin DNR asked the public in a release on Friday to avoid outdoor burning the weekend of April 20-21, with warm temperatures, low humidity, and breezy conditions in the forecast.
Over the past week, the DNR responded to 122 wildfires burning nearly 340 acres, with officials saying it was the most active week of the season. And although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state remains dry.
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. Wisconsin’s wildfire season is expected to continue for several more weeks, with pine needles dropping in moisture and fires starting to move into tree crowns. These conditions can lead to faster, more intense fires that are difficult to suppress.
Wisconsin DNR
Fire Safety Tips
Report fires early by calling 911
Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve
Burn permits for debris burning may be suspended in several 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
Do not try to suppress a fire by yourself
Never operate drones/unmanned aircraft over or near fires – it endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and interferes with fire suppression operations
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Current fire danger, wildfire reports, and burning restrictions can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’s website, as well as a more comprehensive view of current fire activity.
