MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking people to check fire conditions in their area before lighting outdoor fires, ahead of what is expected to be a high risk week for wildfires.

What You Need To Know

  • The DNR is asking people to check fire conditions in their area ahead of what is expected to be a high risk week for wildfires

  • Much of northern and central Wisconsin currently has a high or very high fire danger, and the DNR has supended burn permits in 30 counties

  • There have already been 658 wildfires this year, burning a total of 2,220 acres

Much of central and northern Wisconsin currently has either a high or very high fire danger, and the DNR has suspended burn permits across 30 of the state’s counties. The DNR expects this risk to continue to rise through the week, with forecasts predicting continued dry weather.

Spring is typically when there is the highest risk for wildfires. Already this year, there have been 658 wildfires that have burned a total of 2,220 acres in Wisconsin.

To prevent wildfires, the DNR recommends avoiding outdoor burning until conditions improve, using outdoor equipment like chainsaws or lawnmowers early in the morning or late in the day when the relative humidity is higher, and securing dragging trailer chains to prevent sparks. 

To see your county’s fire danger and where there are DNR burn restrictions, visit here.

Related Stories