Extreme Fire Danger For Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, from 1 to 7 p.m. for the following counties in southwestern and central Wisconsin:

Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Grant, Green Lake, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Trempealeau, Vernon, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties. 

Several adjacent counties will experience High or Very High danger. 

A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create hazardous wildland fire conditions. Hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry vegetation from ongoing drought are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.

The DNR will prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits where the DNR has burn restriction authority. The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially throw sparks and lead to a wildland fire. If you've had a fire of any sort in the last couple of days, please be sure to check to ensure they are properly extinguished. 

Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution until the fire weather and dry conditions improve. 

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure trailer chains to keep them from dragging.
• Report fires early, dial 911.

The DNR responded to 15 wildfires throughout the state in the last week. Several fires occurred in central and southern Wisconsin, where much of the Red Flag Warning has been declared. 

Fire control officials will be on high alert across the entire state, pre-positioning equipment for rapid response and checking any fires from previous days. The DNR anticipates continued dry, elevated fire conditions again on Monday, with a slight chance of scattered rain throughout the week.  

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