GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WBAY) – The Wisconsin DNR is asking everyone to put a hold on burning this week after issuing a red flag warning.
Since wildfire season began, more than 2,500 acres [new figure] have been burned.
Wisconsin is experiencing an unusually early wildfire season, starting in early January due to the lack of snow on the ground.
The DNR reported nearly 800 wildfires this season.
Communities are on high alert this week after the Wisconsin DNR issued a red flag warning.
Twenty-one northern counties are under extreme fire danger, with a deadly combination of low humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation.
“So, all that dead down vegetation from over the winter has not fully greened up yet, and that’s going to accelerate our fires over the next couple of days,” Catherine Koele, wildfire prevention specialist at the Wisconsin DNR, said.
Koele says debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin, emphasizing that 98% of wildfires are human-caused and completely preventable.
Monday morning, Fond du Lac Fire Rescue issued a warning to a resident after responding to a vegetation fire near the train tracks.
They, along with the DNR, are issuing a reminder to everyone about the dry conditions.
“Even just the most accidental things can cause a fire. And you know, you’re while you’re not being intentional with these things, any Spark can cause a fire right now,” Koele said.
Camping has also become popular over the last few weeks. She asks people camping not to light a campfire.
“While they’re not illegal, those campfires for warming or cooking, we highly recommend that folks hold off over the next couple of days with these critical conditions,” Koele said.
The DNR is urging residents to take immediate precautions, avoid all burning during red flag warnings, clear vegetation around potential fire areas, and have water sources ready.
Most importantly, completely extinguish any fires.
The DNR expects fire danger to decrease with upcoming rain, but residents must remain vigilant.
Koele says every Wisconsin resident has a role to play in preventing these devastating wildfires.
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