Kenosha County is among 29 counties in the state where fire danger remains high.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, 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.”
How forest fire “danger” is measured
This sign found at many Ranger Stations throughout the state, displays the current local fire danger rating.
The rating shown on Ranger Station signs refers to the burning condition list below:
- Extreme
- Explosive conditions. Fires start easily, burn fiercely and crown readily. Often very difficult or impossible to control during the day. Burning is not recommended.
- Very High
- Very dangerous conditions. Fires start easily, spread very rapidly, crown and spot. Very difficult to control. Burning is not recommended.
- High
- Dangerous conditions. Fires start readily from a match or sparks, spread quickly, and spot readily. Difficult to control. Burning is not recommended.
- Moderate
- Fires start from a match or burning embers, spread quickly in dry grass or leaves. Burn with extreme caution.
- Low
- Fires will start from an open flame, spread slowly and in absence of wind tend to go out. The safest time to burn.