Wildfire damage to forest ecosystems varies based on how intense the fire behavior is. Intense wildfire can harm forest ecosystems by increasing soil erosion, decreasing air and water quality, and killing desired native vegetation. In contrast, a prescribed fire is the intentional and controlled use of fire to accomplish land management goals. Prescribed fire is only done after considering the safety of the public, water, land, plants, wildlife, and specific weather conditions. By factoring in these considerations, the fire behavior during a prescribed fire is less intense when compared to wildfires.

Wind, temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation all influence the likelihood of a wildfire starting and how fast it will spread. Based on these weather conditions and other factors, there are 5 fire danger ratings that help us track the potential for fires to start and their likely severity. “Low” fire danger days mean wildfires are unlikely to start and will spread very slowly (think of a rainy spring day). “Extreme” fire danger days mean wildfires can start very easily, spread incredibly fast, and will be difficult to control (think of a very dry spring day with above normal temperatures and gusty winds). Fire danger for Wisconsin is updated daily, and you can review the current fire danger by county on the DNR’s WisBurn website.

In Wisconsin, most wildfires occur in the spring from March through May, making it our most important fire season. In spring, weather such as low relative humidity, higher temperatures, and stronger winds increase wildfire risk. Our second most important fire season is summer from June through August, as longer periods of drought can create drier conditions which make it easier for wildfires to start. The Wisconsin DNR keeps track of current and historic wildfires, which you can explore through the online Wisconsin DNR Wildfire Dashboard.

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. We see most wildfires that started from debris pile burning happening in the spring after the snow melts and before vegetation greens up. The number two cause of Wisconsin wildfires is related to vehicles and outdoor equipment—specifically sparks and hot exhaust systems that ignite dry grass, brush or leaves. Jump ahead to learn how you can prevent wildfires with safe burning practices and other strategies.

In the coming decades, wildfires will likely become more frequent, burn more acres, and last longer. Many aspects of the changing climate contribute to this. Less winter snowpack, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier springs all cause plants and the duff layer of the soil (fungi and decomposing material below the leaf litter) to dry out more quickly, increasing the risk of fire. Warmer weather also increases fire risk.

Just like forests across the continent, Wisconsin’s forests are still dealing with the legacy of centuries of fire suppression. Without the low-intensity fires that used to be common in many types of forests, fuel has built up on the forest floor, and plants that are sensitive to fire have replaced fire-adapted plants. So when a wildfire does happen, it is often more damaging than it would have been in the past.

We’re already beginning to see these effects. In 2025, fueled by dry conditions and the lack of snow, Wisconsin had a record number of wildfires in January and February, earlier than the typical wildfire season.

But we’re not destined to have a future full of devastating forest fires. Prescribed fire and other sustainable management strategies can reduce the chances of a wildfire running out of control. And since most wildfires in Wisconsin are sparked by people, responsible behavior can make unwanted fires much less likely.

Burn debris safely

If you are burning brush or leaf debris, first ask yourself if there are other ways to dispose of the material, like composting or chipping brush. If you decide to conduct debris burning, it is best to wait until winter when the ground is completely covered by snow to help contain the fire. As a first step, obtain proper burn permits and follow any local burning ordinances. As a second step, make sure to only burn legal materials.

Before and during the debris burn, check local weather conditions and see if there are any day-of burning restrictions in your area. When you are burning, ensure your fire is small and controllable. Always burn with a water source and firefighting tools (shovel, rake) nearby, and never leave your fire unattended. When you’re finished burning, drown the fire with water and stir the ashes. Come back later to check if any of the ashes are still smoldering.

Inspect equipment

If you can, avoid using equipment and machinery in forested areas during dry conditions or on elevated fire danger days. Inspect your equipment for any dragging parts including towing chains. Always carry a fire extinguisher when operating vehicles and avoid driving on dry brush and grass.

Use spark arrestors for chainsaws, ATVs, and mowers and be sure to inspect them for carbon build up. And speaking of mowers, be cautious of metal blades hitting rocks, which can create sparks. Clean mower decks each time you use your mower to avoid debris buildup and don’t mow on very dry, hot, and windy days.

Use campfires and fireworks responsibly

Small campfires for warming or cooking purposes do not require a burn permit from the Wisconsin DNR. However, check the WisBurn website before making a campfire to see if any day-of fire restrictions apply in your area. Never leave your campfire unattended and always use the “drown-stir-feel” technique to properly extinguish campfires.

If using fireworks, use them in a safe area away from flammable materials. Understand that certain fireworks may require a permit and avoid using fireworks on elevated fire danger days. Much like a campfire, make sure all fireworks are out cold after use. And finally, remember that Wisconsin DNR prohibits the use of fireworks in all state parks, forests, and public hunting and fishing areas.

Protect your property with firewise landscaping

Fire prevention is also important in and around your property. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, be sure to empty ashes in a metal container with a tight lid. Cool ashes by drowning and stirring and avoid dumping them outdoors if the ground is not snow-covered—hot embers can still start a fire. Finally, you can prepare the immediate area around your property to reduce wildfire risk.

Some homes and cabins in Wisconsin are at greater risk to wildfires due to their location in the wildland urban interface. The wildland urban interface is where natural or undeveloped vegetation butts up against, or is mixed within, human development. Your property is at greater risk of wildfire if your home or cabin is:

• In a rural and wooded area,
• Surrounded by tall grass, oaks, or pines,
• On sandy soil, and
• Located where campfires and debris burning are common.

Thankfully, you can do several things to become “firewise.” In a nutshell, becoming “firewise” means building a defensible space around your property in the case of a local wildfire. Each home ignition zone (the area 100 to 200 feet from a property and its surroundings) will have different strategies to create this defensible space. These strategies include cleaning your roof and gutters, using ignition-resistant building materials, and keeping firewood and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from buildings.

For small campfires used solely for cooking or warming purposes, a burn permit is not required. However, you’ll still need to review the WisBurn website to see if any day-of burning restrictions apply in your area.

If you are burning debris or conducting a prescribed fire, you may need a burn permit. In Wisconsin, burn permits are required in Fire Protection Areas when the ground is not completely covered by snow.

If you are in a Fire Protection Area, you can obtain a burn permit online. If you obtain a burn permit, you will still need to check for any day-of burning restrictions on the WisBurn website. If you have burn permit questions and are in a Fire Protection Area, you can reach out to the local Wisconsin DNR Fire Dispatch.

Keep in mind that a Wisconsin DNR burn permit does not apply to incorporated cities and villages. In these areas, the local municipality will have their own burn permit requirements. You can check if your property is in a Wisconsin DNR Fire Protection Zone online via the WisBurn website. Finally, some townships may have additional burning requirements. Even if you have a DNR burn permit, you should reach out to your local municipality to review their requirements.

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