By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Weather Service have extended the Red Flag Warning into Monday, May 12, due to dangerous fire conditions across northern Wisconsin.
Counties under the warning include Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Lincoln, Langlade, and Northern Marinette, with dry fuels, strong winds, and low humidity creating a severe fire threat from noon to 9:00 p.m. Monday.
Sunday’s Red Flag conditions affected Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, and several others. These warnings are issued when weather and fuel conditions pose a serious risk of rapid fire spread.
According to the DNR, nearly 100 wildfires occurred statewide in the past week, primarily in areas now under warning. In response, fire control crews will pre-position firefighting equipment and monitor past fire zones.
“The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire,” officials warned.
High temperatures, gusty winds, and dry vegetation make the situation more severe. The DNR will prohibit all burning with DNR-issued permits where it has fire restriction authority.
Officials urge people to avoid risky activities like outdoor grilling, campfires, or using chainsaws and vehicles that may emit sparks. ATVs, lawnmowers, or exhaust systems could ignite fires easily in current conditions.
Residents are encouraged to double-check recent burn areas to ensure they are fully extinguished. Several counties are now at extreme fire danger, while nearby counties remain at near-critical levels.
The warning is expected to remain in effect until later in the week, when weather conditions may start to moderate. For the latest updates, visit the DNR’s fire danger map and wildfire report page.
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Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety