Wisconsin Ag Connection - DNR Issues Burning Restrictions in Southern Counties

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DNR Issues Burning Restrictions in Southern Counties
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/29/2012

Emergency burning restrictions for 11 counties in southern Wisconsin are now in effect in fire protection areas under control of the Department of Natural Resources. DNR officials say all of Crawford, Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Marquette, Green Lake and portions of Iowa, Grant, Dane, Adams and Juneau counties are impacted by these emergency burning restrictions. Emergency burning restrictions apply to the designated areas that are outside incorporated cities and villages in these counties.

As part of the designation, burning of any combustible material outdoors is prohibited until further notice. The restrictions are primarily due to the lack of precipitation resulting in abnormally dry conditions developing over southern Wisconsin.

Record low amounts of precipitation have occurred in the month of June, with the Madison area on pace to be the third driest on record.

Meanwhile, the fire danger level remains at 'very high' in several counties making the possibility for wildfires a real concern.

"With the extreme temperatures expected, we had to take a proactive approach by implementing these restrictions in order to keep emergency responders and the public safe," says Catherine Koele, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. "We can't afford a single human-caused wildfire right now, especially with the July Fourth holiday upon us."

Many area municipalities are implementing their own burn bans or cancelling organized fireworks events due to the very high fire danger.

Communities with fireworks displays held in incorporated cities and villages within the restricted area are encouraged to work with local fire personnel to evaluate the conditions make informed decisions on holding these upcoming events in order to keep the public safe.

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