DNR: Emergency burning restrictions in effect for 11 counties | Environment

Emergency burning restrictions for 11 counties in southern Wisconsin will begin Friday in fire protection areas under control of the Department of Natural Resources.

All of Crawford, Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Marquette, Green Lake and portions of Iowa, Grant, Dane, Adams and Juneau counties are affected by these emergency burning restrictions, which will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Emergency burning restrictions apply to the designated areas that are outside incorporated cities and villages in these counties.

Under these restrictions, burning of any combustible material outdoors is prohibited until further notice. This includes:

• all fireworks (restricted and non-restricted);
• combustible material in a burn pile or burn barrel, including grass or wooded areas (all DNR burn permits suspended);
• campfires with the exception of developed camping areas within a metal fire ring;
• outdoor disposal of ashes, charcoal briquettes, matches or any burning material; and
• smoking a cigar, cigarette, or pipe, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

The burning restrictions are primarily due to the lack of precipitation resulting in abnormally dry conditions developing over southern Wisconsin. Record low amounts of precipitation have occurred in the month of June. The Madison area is on pace to be the third driest on record with a mere 0.31 inches of rain.

The fire danger level remains at "very high" in several counties making the possibility for wildfires a real concern.

Many area municipalities are implementing their own burn bans or cancelling organized fireworks events due to the very high fire danger.

Communities with fireworks displays held in incorporated cities and villages within the restricted area are encouraged to work with local fire personnel to evaluate the conditions make informed decisions on holding these upcoming events in order to keep the public safe. The DNR is encouraging these officials to take extra precautions such as wetting down the areas and heightened fire patrols during these organized events.

The DNR said it intends to keep the emergency burning restrictions in place until a significant amount of precipitation is received.

"It's going to take several good soaking rain events to get us out of these untimely circumstances," said Catherine Koele, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.

For the most current fire danger information throughout Wisconsin and a detailed look at the areas under Emergency Burning Restrictions, visit dnr.wi.gov keyword "fire" and select the county of interest.