Conditions are right for wildfires

The public is asked to avoid burning, until further notice, because of elevated fire danger across the state. The DNR and partners at the National Weather Service, are closely monitoring the situation, throughout the weekend.

Most of Wisconsin, is at high fire danger, from gusty winds and dry vegetation. All DNR-issued annual burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns, are suspended, in 25 counties, where the DNR has burning permit authority.

Current wildfire concerns are primarily because of the lack of precipitation across the entire state. Wisconsin has received record-low rain in recent weeks, resulting in varying levels of moderate to severe drought.

Wildfires that occur under these conditions, can burn for great lengths of time and smolder underground for days, and can be challenging to suppress.

Fire safety tips include the following:

• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.

• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day, to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.

• Secure trailer chains to keep them from dragging.

• Delay having campfires until the evening hours, as fire conditions tend to improve; keep them small and contained. Make sure they are completely extinguished, before leaving them unattended.

• Report fires early, always dial 911.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions, at https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/#/.