Warden Wire: Fire danger high to very high; burn permits suspended in 29 counties
Fire danger remains high to very high in most of the state. This is due to a combination of dry and windy conditions. The Department of Natural Resources is asking everyone to keep this real threat of fires in mind when doing anything outdoors. This includes hunters and operators of all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles. The DNR has suspended burning permits in 29 counties where the department regulates outdoor burning. And there are fire control staffers on high alert.
The public is asked to avoid any activity that introduces a fire in the outdoors -- such as making a campfire, staging a debris fire or using a burn barrel. Please also be aware of potential sparks from the use of ATVs and UTVs. As the cooler temperatures spread statewide, DNR fire experts also urge caution with ash disposal from wood-burning fireplaces or boilers.
The ongoing drought has long-term effects, and DNR fire experts are hopeful the winter months will bring relief with snowfall. However, the state is entering its traditional fall fire season now in these conditions. That means burning permits are handled on a daily basis by the DNR. Please check the DNR’s fire danger page daily, http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/restrictions.asp, before engaging in any outdoor burning. Or visit dnr.wi.gov, and search "fire."