For the Times

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that fire danger remains high across the state.

There is very high fire danger in the following counties today: Adams, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Green Lake, Jackson, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Portage, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood.

There is high fire danger in the following counties today: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Polk, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties.

Warm temperatures, low humidity, breezy southwest winds and dry vegetation make it easy for a fire to start and spread quickly. This a critical period for fire potential and DNR fire control officials remain on high alert across the state. Regularly check fire danger and burning restrictions at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/restrictions.aspReport fires early by calling 911 immediately.

The DNR has responded to 540 wildfires burning 1,775 acres so far this season, plus many more suppressed by local fire departments and federal partners.

“Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Wisconsin. The best way to protect against a wildfire is to stop it before it starts. A fire could quickly start and spread in these conditions,” a DNR release stated.

“Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, trailer chains, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Embers from campfires or burn piles can remain hot for days. Wind can expose smoldering embers hidden in the ashes, allowing them to escape and cause a wildfire.

“Although things may look green, spring is a dangerous time for wildfires, especially for pine trees which are in a phenomenon called the “spring dip.” During this time, the moisture content in the needles is low while the starch content is high. This combination, which is not visible to the naked eye, means that pine trees are more likely to catch fire during a wildfire and crown fires (fires in the tree tops) are possible.

“Never leave a fire unattended, and most importantly, before leaving, drown fire remains with water, stir and repeat until cold.”