State environment officials remind residents to practice fire safety this fall

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding residents to take care when starting fires outdoors as the fall season gets underway.

According to a DNR news release, the dry weather, gusty winds and scarce rain that accompanies the fall season presents a greater risk for wildfires. Over 50 wildfires have ignited in October alone, burning about 20 acres. The abnormally dry conditions in the state have contributed to the blazes.

In an effort to minimize the danger, officials are asking residents to check the DNR’s interactive fire danger map before burning anything outdoors.

Wildfires can spring from any ground that isn’t completely covered in snow. Fire danger increases in the fall after the leaves have fallen, and when the plants and grasses go dormant before the winter. Officials say burning brush and leaf piles is the main cause of wildfires in the fall, while burning debris is the number one factor overall.

Other contributing causes are sparks from recreational equipment, campfires and fireplaces.

After a burning, DNR officials ask Wisconsinites to empty the ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid or dump the ashes on bare soil. Residents should then pour water on the ashes and stir until the embers are cold.

Officials urge residents to avoid debris burning until the ground is snow-covered. For more information, visit the state DNR website.