Weather
Gov. Evers Declares State of Emergency Over 'Extreme' Wildfire Danger
Thanks to warm, dry, and windy conditions, embers from campfires and other burns can quickly and easily escape control and cause a wildfire.
MADISON, WI — Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in response to "extreme" wildfire conditions throughout the state.
Under the executive order, the state will rapidly mobilize the Army National Guard’s Blackhawk helicopters to the areas of the state in most need of aerial fire suppression resources this spring.
"Protecting Wisconsinites from the destructive danger of wildfire is a top priority. Although northern Wisconsin still has considerable snow cover, the danger is extreme across much of the state today," Evers said in a statement.
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"This executive order will give the Department of Natural Resources the ability to have all available resources ready to be quickly dispatched at critical moments to keep fires small and minimize damage."
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Wednesday.
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Due to the warm, dry, and windy conditions, embers from campfires and other burns can quickly and easily escape control and cause a wildfire, warns the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Burning is currently prohibited in the following counties: Adams, Buffalo, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green Lake, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood counties, including the snow-free areas of Clark, Marathon and Shawano.
In addition to fires, authorities are asking people to use caution when using off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark.
The DNR responded to nearly 60 wildfires in the past week and remains on high alert, with pre-positioned equipment for rapid response.
The DNR provided the fire safety tips below:
Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.
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, dial 911.
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