(STATEWIDE) Dry, windy weather is raising the risk of wildfires across much of Wisconsin this week, with state officials urging people to hold off on burning as conditions worsen through the weekend.
The Department of Natural Resources says fire danger will reach critical levels across northern and western parts of the state from Thursday through Saturday. That’s led to a suspension of DNR burn permits in 31 counties, with more restrictions possible if conditions continue to deteriorate.
A Red Flag Warning is also in place Friday afternoon and evening for several northern counties, where low humidity and gusty winds could help fires spread quickly.
The risk isn’t the same everywhere. In central and southeastern parts of the state, conditions are less severe but still worth watching. Dodge, Columbia, Jefferson and Washington counties are seeing moderate fire danger, meaning burning is still allowed in places like Dodge County, though officials say extra caution is critical. Fond du Lac and Green Lake counties, meanwhile, are already at high fire danger.
State fire officials say a mix of dry grass, pine needles and leaf litter can ignite easily, even after recent rain. Warm temperatures and wind are only making that worse. This time of year is typically the peak of Wisconsin’s fire season, especially in areas with sandy soil and pine trees that can fuel fast-moving fires.
So far this year, crews have responded to nearly 500 wildfires across the state. Nearly half were caused by debris burning.
–Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
