Grass Fire Quickly Contained by Passersby in Northern Wisconsin

Fires spread quickly from sparks, discarded cigarette butts, and other fire-causing events and agents. Jason and Tammy Hastings came across this fire on Hwy. 182 near Cutoff Road. Tammy reported, "Jason put this fire out while we waited for emergency crews to arrive. It's unreal how fast this fire spread. It was just a few flames when we came upon it." View the video at this link.

FIRE DANGER REMAINS HIGH AND VERY HIGH IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin DNR is asking residents not to burn debris and to limit campfires while the fire danger is high.Photo byWisconsin DNR

Due to the elevated fire danger throughout the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to avoid burning this week.

Warm temperatures, low humidity, and breezy conditions, and no precipitation are causing the fire danger to be high or very high in the northern part of the state.

"On windy, dry days, embers from any fire, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily escape control and cause a wildfire if not properly extinguished.

"The DNR has already responded to over 50 wildfires across Wisconsin this week alone, bringing the yearly total to 193 fires burning 356 acres. For reference, the DNR had only responded to seven wildfires across Wisconsin at this point last year. The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning," stated the DNR.

The DNR is asking people to avoid all outdoor burning, including debris burning. The use of campfires and bonfires should be limited. "Be sure to discard hot ashes from woodstoves or fireplaces in a metal container until cold. Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with any off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire," the DNR advised.

The DNR is also suspending annual burn permits in all DNR protection areas across the state due to current and forecasted conditions.

Fire danger and burning restrictions change every day, so the DNR is reminding people to check conditions before burning. The DNR also gave the following fire safety tips.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Report fires early by calling 911.

Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in many counties.

Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.

Secure dragging trailer chains to avoid creating sparks.

Do not try to suppress a fire by yourself.

Never operate drones or unmanned aircraft over or near fires; it endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and interferes with fire suppression operations.

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

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