Lack of rain has wildfire danger “very high” in much of northeastern Wisconsin

Recent rainfall in southern Wisconsin has brought the DNR fire danger into the low category but that isn’t the case for locations north of Fond du Lac County that missed out on the rains.

Bordering counties Green Lake, Winnebago and Calumet are listed in the “High Risk” category on the DNR “Fire Danger” map with 16 other counties farther north in north east Wisconsin showing at the “Very High Risk” category. At that point The DNR asks the public to avoid all outdoor burning saying some places in northern Wisconsin have now gone over 30 days without rain, and wind gusts over 30 miles per hour on Saturday into Saturday night are forecasted for the area.

Officials say on windy, dry days, embers from any fire, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily blow away from the fire and cause a wildfire.

In the last week alone, the Wisconsin DNR and local fire departments have responded to over 80 wildfires, burning 182 acres.

The DNR says outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with any off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire.