Outdoor fire danger remains high today as winds increase

Strong winds and low humidity are prompting officials to warn of the dangers of outdoor burning today.

With the approach of a strong weather system, rain will eventually come, but before it does, the winds will gust up to 30 mph, with dewpoints and humidity values staying relatively low. That combination has the DNR placing Fond du Lac County in the high category for outdoor fire danger and Dodge and Washington Counties in the Very high category.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement that says fires that begin in these conditions will have the potential to rapidly spread and escape control. Any planned outdoor burning should be done with extreme caution, or be postponed to a more favorable weather day.