NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Fire danger remains very high across much of northeast Wisconsin, with officials warning that current weather conditions are creating a perfect environment for fires to ignite and spread. Angela Rogers with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division in Gresham says a combination of wind, dry conditions and warm temperatures is driving the risk.
Rogers says under these conditions, nearly anything can spark a fire, with powerlines posing a particular concern.
“Anything in these conditions can spark, you get these high winds like this, we have a tendency to get a lot of power line fires, that’s a dangerous situation, especially if the line is active,” she said.
The warning comes after 20 fires were reported statewide on Monday, including a couple in Oconto County. Rogers says many of those fires were tied to outdoor burning, which remains a major concern for crews.
“Still a lot of debris burning going on, we don’t want to see people debris burning in these conditions,” Rogers said. “No burning allowed, burn permits are canceled.”
Burn permits have been suspended in 43 counties across the state, including Waupaca County, Marinette County, Menominee County and Shawano County, with all surrounding counties still listed at very high fire danger. Officials say there is little relief in sight, as no significant rainfall is currently in the forecast.
Despite the conditions, Rogers credits local volunteer fire departments for helping keep recent fires under control. She adds that even something as small as a spark from an outdoor wood burner can quickly ignite a fire in these conditions.
Officials are urging residents to avoid all outdoor burning, closely monitor daily fire conditions on the DNR website, and take extra precautions to prevent accidental fires until conditions improve.
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