Extreme Fire Danger for Northern Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis (WMDX) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for extreme fire danger throughout most of northern Wisconsin today.

The warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. for the following northern Wisconsin counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Dunn, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Vilas and Washburn.

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

The DNR will prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits where the DNR has burn restriction authority. 

“The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any fires from recent days to make sure they have been properly extinguished,” a press release said.

Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to create a spark, igniting a fire that spreads quickly.

Please use extreme caution until the fire weather and the fuel conditions improve. 

The DNR responded to nearly 100 wildfires in the last week. Several fires occurred throughout northern Wisconsin, the same area where much of the Red Flag Warning has been declared. As a result, the counties in the impacted area will move to extreme fire danger. Several adjacent counties will remain at near critical fire danger.

Other areas remain under high or very high fire danger risks. The only a few southeastern counties remain as moderate fire danger.

Fire control officials will be on high alert across the entire state, pre-positioning equipment for rapid response and checking any fires from previous days. The DNR anticipates continued dry, elevated fire conditions again on Tuesday with a chance of some moderating conditions later in the week. 

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.