WISCONSIN — A new Red Flag Warning was issued Friday, extending the fire danger warning that went into place Wednesday.

The warning was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the National Weather Service. It is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The following counties are under warning throughout the state: Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Green Lake, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Trempealeau, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry fuels are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.

The warning was issued due to weather factors that were coming together to create “dangerous wildland fire conditions.” These include the ongoing warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry fuels.

The DNR and NWS noted that several adjacent counties will remain at “very high” risks of fire danger. The DNR will continue to prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burning permits.

Officials noted that the public should be especially careful with any activities that might lead to a wildland fire and avoid burning. Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly.

Gov. Tony Evers issued an order declaring a state of emergency Wednesday in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout Wisconsin.

The DNR responded to nearly 100 wildfires in the last week, burning more than 3,200 acres.

One of those was a 100-acre wildfire in Juneau County that forced residents to evacuate from the area. The Red Cross responded as a result to provide shelter and additional resources. The fire has since been contained.

The DNR is also helping manage a more than 3,100-acre wildfire in Monroe County, with 109 acres just outside of Fort McCoy boundaries. The fire is 60% contained as of Friday morning and no injuries have been reported. An evacuation center is now located at the LUNDA Center in Black River Falls.

“Certainly spring is wildfire season and we’re in the thick of it,” DNR wildfire prevention specialist Catherine Koele said. “Quite a bit of activity over the last few days.”

The DNR said it will continue to suspend annual burn permits because of weather conditions. Current burn permit restrictions can be found here. Fire danger levels and burning restrictions can change every day.

DNR officials said they expect some relief of conditions heading into the weekend.

“I think there’s a big misconception that fires don’t happen in Wisconsin,” Koele said. “98% of our fires are caused by people, and on average, we see 800 to a thousand fires here every year. Fortunately, many of our fires are small. They’re only about one to two acres, but that’s a credit to where our equipment is placed and how our firefighters get on these fires and put them out quickly.”

The DNR released the following fire safety tips in light of the fire danger levels: