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Wildfire season is here

Smokey Bear signs help prevent fires

An indication that it’s wildfire season is that levels on the Smokey Bear fire danger signs start changing color.

Jason Hennes, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at Hartman Creek State Park, said now is the time to keep an eye on the local fire danger and get proper burning permits prior to burning.

“Weather is the single most important factor influencing how fires start and spread,” Hennes said. “Temperature, wind, humidity and precipitation are the key weather components that determine the daily fire danger.”

Hennes said he hopes the public will take note of the Smokey Bear signs and check the DNR’s website or hotline.

The most current fire danger by county is reflected on the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire,” or by calling the hotline 1-888-947-2876.

“The fire danger can change daily, especially in the spring,” Hennes said. “After we receive the current and predicted weather conditions, our goal is to have the daily fire danger updated by 11 a.m. each morning.”

Smokey’s sign ratings

The daily fire danger rating takes into consideration the current and predicted weather conditions, primarily surrounding temperature, wind, relative humidity and precipitation. The ratings are also based on fuel or vegetation type, moisture content and changes in the landscape.

Fire danger levels can range from “low” to “extreme.”

• Low – Fires do not ignite easily and will spread slowly. This is the safest time to burn.

• Moderate – Fires can ignite and will spread, but relatively easy to contain. Use caution if burning.

• High – Serious conditions. Fires ignite easily, spread rapidly and are difficult to control. Burning is not recommended.

• Very High – Dangerous conditions. Fires start easily, spread rapidly with increased intensity. Fires are very difficult to control. Burning is not recommended.

• Extreme – Explosive conditions. Fires start easily, spread furiously and burn intensely. This is the worst possible danger. Burning is strongly not recommended.

Wildfires can happen just about any time of the year, but history has shown 60 percent of all wildfires in Wisconsin each year occur in March, April and May.

Debris burning is the No. 1 cause of Wisconsin’s wildfires. Fires caused by careless burning become more frequent this time of year.

Burning permits

An annual DNR burn permit can be obtained online at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “burn permit” or by calling 1-888-947-2876 to have it mailed or instantly emailed. Individuals can also visit a local DNR office or designated emergency fire warden.

Once an individual has a burning permit, he or she must call or go online after 11 a.m. on the day of the planned burn to check daily fire restrictions to hear the legal burning hours and size limitations or if burning has been suspended for the day.

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