26-03-2025
Wisconsin has seen almost 300 wildfires in 2025 so far. Here's why
Nearly four months into the year, Wisconsin has seen nearly 300 wildfires that have burned more than 1,500 acres.
In total, there have been approximately 273 wildfires as of March 26, according to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildfires Dashboards. Approximately 1,593.3 acres have been burned. These dashboards track information on wildfires and prescribed burns across the state, including both real-time and historic data.
Less than a week ago, a wildfire burned 750 acres in Green Lake County. And, days prior, a brush fire burned 100 acres in Brookfield.
Yes and no.
There have not been as as many fires compared to spring 2024, but the amount of acres burned is about equal, DNR Dodgeville Area Forestry Leader Aaron Young told the Journal Sentinel in an email.
However, when looking at five and 10 year trends, Young says the state is "significantly above the average" in terms of both number of fires and acres burned. "Anytime there is a lack of snow or a snow-free winter, there can be a higher number of fire starts," Young said.
More: Where's all the snow? Milwaukee, Madison had their driest Januarys on record
On top of a dry winter, a NOAA drought monitor last updated on March 18 indicates most of Wisconsin is still experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions. "The presence of the drought will have an impact on the fire season and the need for the public to be safe any time they are thinking about doing any type of burning," Young said.
Young emphasized that wildfires can occur anywhere where dead or dry vegetation is present in the spring, meaning fires "are possible statewide."
"If Wisconsin can receive timely precipitation throughout the spring, that will help reduce the fire danger," Young said.
Though these fires are caused by a variety of factors, Young said "debris fires" are the main cause behind fire starts. "Add in spring conditions when there is still dry, dead vegetation, and fires can quickly get away," Young said.
Young added low relative humidity and stronger winds also factor into fire starts.
As of March 26, here are the causes of wildfires across the state, according to the DNR Wildfire Dashboards:
Debris burning: 121
Equipment: 45
Power: 15
Railroad: 8
Recreation and ceremony: 8
Smoking: 2
Firearms and explosives: 1
Other causes: 49
Cause not available: 23
More: After smashing records last winter, how does this Great Lakes ice season shape up?
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin has seen nearly 300 wildfires in 2025 so far
