Gear Up for Fire Season

Fire season is just beginning. Each year an estimated 1,100 wildfires burn in DNR protection areas (about half the state, generally the more forested areas) and another estimated 2,500 wildfires burn in parts of the state where fire departments are the primary responders. Two-thirds of these fires occur in spring. There is a great deal of dry vegetation and fallen leaves and other debris present this time of year, which is quick to dry out. Accompanied by warmer weather, drops in humidity and gusty winds, wildfires can quickly ignite and spread. So far this year, 57 fires have occurred in DNR Protection Areas. Main fire causes have been debris burning and equipment. Fourteen homes and 12 outbuildings have been threatened by these fires and 3 outbuildings have been destroyed.

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Read all our Wildfire and Prescribed Fire News Articles posted in chronological order.  Remember, each page displays a limited number of articles.  Click "older posts" at the bottom of each page to see additional articles.

Read news from other Division of Forestry programs:

Urban Forestry News

Forest Products News

Forest Health News