DNR plans prescribed burns across the state
Fire management crews will begin conducting prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout the state, where local conditions can provide a safe and effective burn. The recent, much-needed precipitation has created conditions that are ideal for burning, in certain areas of the state.
Winter burns typically begin with cattail marshes, wetlands and wet prairies. Cattail wildfires can present a control challenge for suppression authorities during the warmer summer months, when dead and live cattails are available to burn.
By burning in winter, DNR staff take advantage of ideal ice and snow cover, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh, and barrens burns. Additional windows of opportunity for prescribed burning will continue through spring, and open again in late summer and fall (mid-July through November).
Prescribed burns support healthy ecosystems, for an abundance of plants and animals in Wisconsin. These burns mimic the benefits historic fire once provided, but occur under a safer “prescription” range of weather and fuel conditions (compared to most wildfires).
Throughout history, many ecosystems in Wisconsin, experienced either periodic natural fire and/or were managed with cultural fire by First Nation people. These “fire dependent” plant communities, such as prairies, wetlands, and oak or pine barrens/savannas/woodlands, developed a tolerance and eventual dependence on periodic fire, and would not be sustained today, without prescribed burning.
Winter burns remove dead vegetation build-up, and open waterways for migratory fowl and other wildlife. The dead vegetation is reduced to ash, transferring this natural fertilizer back into the soil. Following the burn, hazardous fuels are reduced, foraging and nesting improve in the revitalized vegetation, and the stimulated growth of their root systems enhances their ability to store more carbon.
Other benefits of prescribed burns include reducing non-native or invasive plant species, and increasing regeneration of important native trees, like oak and pine.
Planning for prescribed burns can take weeks or months. DNR staff make the decision to conduct these prescribed burns, only when weather and vegetation conditions meet strict standards for safety, smoke management and burn effectiveness. Even after such careful planning, the decision to burn on a specific day, is reassessed and approved at the regional scale, and once more by the burn boss, who confirms on-site conditions are as fore-casted, for a safe burn.
When conducting prescribed burns near roads or recreational trails, the DNR will post signs to notify the public. For safety, they ask the public to avoid these areas while the burn is being conducted. The DNR also notifies local law enforcement and fire officials, in advance, about when and where prescribed burns will take place.
Burns planned for the following day are displayed at dnrmaps. wi.gov.
