MADISON (NBC 26) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in conjunction with the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday, May 1, due to extreme fire danger for the following counties:
Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Richland, Rock, Sauk, St. Croix, Vernon, Walworth, Waupaca and Wood counties.
According to the DNR, Red Flag Warning means the area is experiencing critical weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds, warm temperatures and very low humidity.
Report fires early by calling 911 immediately.
In addition to counties with Red Flag warnings, much of the state continues to be Very High to High fire danger.
All burning should be avoided, the DNR says. Burning is suspended with DNR-issued burning permits. Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Wisconsin.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, trailer chains, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly.
The DNR has responded to 502 wildfires burning 1,617 acres so far this season, plus many more suppressed by local fire departments and federal partners.
