Madison, WI – As Wisconsin faces another weekend without significant rainfall, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is escalating its warnings about elevated fire danger. The DNR emphasizes the critical need for the public to avoid all burning activities, citing a combination of factors that significantly heighten the risk of wildfires. According to the DNR, much of Wisconsin, especially northern regions, has not seen precipitation for over 30 days, exacerbating the situation with low humidity and breezy conditions forecasted for the weekend.
An incoming cold front is expected to bring wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour on Saturday, further increasing the risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service has predicted elevated fire weather concerns through the early part of next week. The DNR reports that in the past week alone, over 80 wildfires have been responded to across the state, burning a total of 182 acres and bringing the yearly total to 244 fires and over 500 acres affected. Debris burning has been identified as a major cause of these recent wildfires.
In response to the heightened fire danger, the DNR is suspending annual burn permits in the northern two-thirds of the state and advises against outdoor burning, including campfires and bonfires. The DNR also recommends caution with off-road vehicles or equipment that could spark a fire. Property owners are urged to check local burning regulations and the DNR’s website for updates on fire danger and burning restrictions, which change daily.
