Be Fire-Aware
Be Fire-Aware
Wisconsin forests have a complex relationship with fire. While many forests need prescribed fire for them to remain healthy, wildfires can harm people, homes, wildlife—and even the forests themselves. Luckily, there are many things we can do to be more aware of the nuances of fire in Wisconsin. Explore the webpages below to learn more.
Wildfire
In Wisconsin, most wildfires occur in the spring from March through May. Over 98% of all wildfires in Wisconsin are linked to human causes, and the burning of debris (brush and leaves) is the most common way wildfires start.
Prescribed fire
Most of Wisconsin’s land used to experience regular fires that kept ecosystems healthy and in balance. Depending on the landscape, the frequency of fire ranged from almost every year to every 20 years or so. Prescribed burns help re-introduce good fire and make our forests more resilient.
If you have feedback on this webpage, fill out this form. If you have questions about wildfire and your woods, contact:
Keith Phelps
Working Lands Forestry Educator
keith.phelps@wisc.edu
920-840-7504
Page written by Scott Hershberger and Keith Phelps (UW–Madison Extension). Last updated April 2026.
Additional photo credits:
- Wildfire at night: Mike Lehman, Wisconsin DNR