Weather
Burning Discouraged In WI Over Labor Day Weekend Amid High Fire Danger
Windy and dry conditions are forecast for much of Wisconsin over the holiday weekend, causing state officials to discourage burning.
WISCONSIN — As family and friends get together over the holiday weekend across Wisconsin for outdoor recreation and barbecues, state officials are asking for everyone to be especially careful because of heightened fire danger.
The public should stay vigilant over Labor Day weekend and avoid all outdoor burning—including campfires—because of elevated fire danger across southern and central Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources said in a news release Friday.
See also: 830-Acre Wildfire In Wisconsin Largely Contained; 20 Buildings Lost
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Very hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast going into the holiday weekend from Saturday through Monday, causing a potential for critical fire weather warnings, the DNR said. As of Friday, much of the state was under a "high" fire danger. You can find warnings and fire danger updates at the DNR's WisBurn website.
When it is windy, embers from any sort of fire, and especially embers from burn piles and campfires, may easily get out of control and cause a wildfire if not extinguished properly. While burn permits and restrictions vary by county, the DNR said it will suspend annual burn permits in critical areas where it has authority.
Find out what's happening in Across Wisconsinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
State officials said they responded to 10 wildfires across Wisconsin in the last week which were small because of higher humidity and quick suppression action.
"With the forecasted conditions and holiday recreation concerns, more fires are expected over the weekend," the DNR wrote. Outdoor enthusiasts should also be extra careful with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change frequently and quickly become dangerous."
Here are some fire safety tips from the DNR:
- Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve.
- 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.
- Report fires early and call 911.
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