With the exception of four north central counties in the moderate category, the Wisconsin DNR lists fire danger across the entire state as high. Conditions are ripe for wildfires.
Dry, dead brush, low humidity, with very little rain and high winds, are exactly the conditions that increase the risk of wildfire danger across our area each spring. And this year is no different. According to Fire Chief Peter O’Leary with Fond du Lac Fire Rescue, “Whether you have a campfire, whether you have a fire pit, whether you’re burning brush in an area that maybe your municipality - you live out in the country where you can do it, you may want to check with the DNR and your local fire department to make sure it’s safe to do so.”
After several fires this weekend, Fond du Lac Fire Rescue put on a demonstration to show just how quickly wild land and grass fires can get out of control. In a field full of dry brush, with firefighters and plenty of water nearby, the Chief used a lighter to ignite some of the debris. The small area grew and grew quickly. They say it takes 30 seconds for a structure fire to double in size, brush fires, fueled by wind, can move much faster.