Don't Spark A Wildfire: Exercise Caution While Towing Or Using Outdoor Equipment

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to check their trailers and all outdoor equipment prior to use due to elevated wildfire risk across the state. The DNR and partners at the National Weather Service are closely monitoring the situation.

Despite recent rainfall in some areas, conditions are still dry, leading to high and very high fire danger across the entire state today. A little reprieve expected tonight, but the forecast is calling for minimal amounts of precipitation heading into the upcoming weekend. DNR-issued annual burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns are suspended in several counties in elevated areas where the DNR has burn permit authority. 

In the past seven days alone, there have been 82 wildfires across Wisconsin, with 32 of them starting because of improper equipment use (things like unsecured trailer chains, lawnmowers, ATVs and UTVs, tractors, etc.). 

Wisconsin is seeing varying levels of moderate to severe drought, and wildfires that occur under these conditions can burn for great lengths of time and smolder underground for days and can be challenging to suppress.

A Special Fire Order went into effect on Oct. 15, 2024 for 13 Wisconsin counties where permits are traditionally not required this time of year. A DNR annual burning permit is now required statewide in all DNR protection areas for burning in a barrel, a debris pile and grass or wooded areas as outlined by the permit, unless the ground is completely snow-covered. Before burning in these areas, anyone wishing to burn must obtain a DNR burn permit and then visit WisBURN for the current burn restrictions.

Fall is in full swing in Wisconsin, and between boats headed to storage for the winter, hunters towing recreational vehicles to their hunting land and landowners around the state trailering yard waste to transfer sites or burning it themselves, the potential for incidental ignitions is elevated this time of year.

By taking just a few basic precautions, everyone can help prevent wildfires in Wisconsin:

• Secure dragging parts and trailer chains to avoid creating sparks while driving.
• Avoid operating vehicles on dry grass.
• Check tire pressure for exposed rims.
• Maintain brakes and other high-wear components to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. 

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR's website