Hold off on the campfire or burn barrel until it rains
The public is asked to check fire conditions before conducting outdoor burning activities. If someone is in an area of High or Very High fire danger, stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning.
Spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. So far, in 2025, 658 wildfires have burned 2,220 acres of land.
For example, May 5, the Ackley fires burned an estimated 23 acres of swamp grass and cattails, over a 4.5-mile stretch of highway, near Ackley Road, east of Ashland. Air patrol identified several different start points along the highway ditch, which grew into four separate fires.
As a result, 10 structures were threatened and saved, through the joint efforts of DNR fire crews, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department and the Bad River, Ashland, Saxon and Kimball fire departments.
Even a few days between precipitation, can dry out grasses, pine needles and leaf litter, creating hazardous conditions. Add low humidity and variable winds to the mix, and fire danger increases significantly.
The upcoming forecast shows no precipitation for much of central and northern Wisconsin, exacerbating the conditions in areas already in High or Very High fire danger. This elevated fire danger will continue until there is significant rainfall and the DNR is continuing to suspend burn permits, in 30 counties, where it has burn restriction authority.
Vegetation in southern Wisconsin is continuing to green up, helping reduce the risk for wildfires in this region.
Embers from any fire, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily get out of control and cause a wildfire if not properly extinguished, so, avoid all burning until conditions improve.
DNR burn permit restrictions and fire danger vary from county to county. However, the DNR will suspend annual burn permits in these critical areas, where the DNR has burn restriction authority.
Outdoor enthusiasts should also be extra careful with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark, and start a fire. With dry weather conditions across much of the state, fires can spark at any time.
