(The Center Square) – Despite a record-breaking rainy April in parts of Wisconsin, the state is warning about fire danger for more than half the state.
The state’s Department of Natural Resources warned of a high risk of wildfires in the northern half of Wisconsin.
“Fire danger is Very High across much of the state and DNR burn permits are suspended in 43 counties. Fire risk is increased by ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warmer temperatures and breezy conditions, with gusts up to 35 mph expected,” the DNR said in an announcement.
The DNR’s fire map shows a high risk for fires across most of the rest of Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee and Madison areas. Only western Wisconsin, Trempeleau, Buffalo, Pepin, Dunn, and Pierce counties are not under a fire danger warning. The DNR says those counties are looking at only moderate fire danger.
“This elevated fire danger will continue until there is significant rainfall, and the DNR will continue to prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits for debris burning where the DNR has burn restriction authority in areas with elevated fire danger,” the DNR added.
The fire danger warnings come after a record-breaking rainy April in some parts of the state.
Green Bay saw a record 8.5 inches of rain last month. Many communities in northeast Wisconsin saw similar rain falls, and many communities saw floods.
Milwaukee also flooded after seeing near-record rains. The National Weather Service said last month was the sixth wettest on record in Milwaukee. April was also the eighth wettest for folks in Madison.
The DNR did not say when the fire danger will lessen, in fact, the state said the fire danger across the state will likely last for a while.
“Spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. Even a few days between precipitation can dry out grasses, pine needles and leaf litter, creating hazardous conditions,” the DNR said.
