(WTAQ-WLUK) — The northern third of Wisconsin is in “high” or “very high” fire danger.
The state Department of Natural Resources says the sandy pines area of northern Wisconsin is always the last area of the state to green up in the spring. In addition, tree growth in that part of the state is at a volatile stage. In southern Wisconsin, vegetation has already greened up and the area has received periodic rain over the past few weeks.
Humidity across the state is forecast to remain low for much of the week, and any increase in winds could rapidly spread fires out of control.
Meteorologists are forecasting a small chance for a stray shower in the southern part of our viewing area on Tuesday, with the potential for scattered showers on Friday.
The DNR has suspended burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns in 21 counties where the agency has burning permit authority.
The DNR asks that people:
- 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, dial 911.
So far in 2023, the DNR has responded to 281 wildfires that burned more than 3,358 acres. Most of the fires were related to debris burning, the DNR says.
Fire control officials have pre-positioned equipment for rapid response, including two National Guard Black Hawk helicopters being stationed in Rhinelander and two single-engine air tankers in Solon Springs.
