11-05-2025
Red Flag Warning for extreme fire danger in effect for northern Wisconsin counties
The state Department of Natural Resources warns that 19 counties in northern Wisconsin are under extreme fire danger May 11 and urges people to exercise caution.
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the following counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Vilas and Washburn.
Multiple weather factors combine to produce a Red Flag Warning, including low humidity, gusty winds and a lack of rain.
The DNR is prohibiting burning with DNR-issued permits. The department is asking the public to check any fires from recent days to ensure they were properly extinguished.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking and off-road vehicles can throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly, the DNR says.
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The department responded to nearly 100 wildfires in the first week of May, including several in northern Wisconsin. Fire control officials will be on high alert across the state, the DNR said, pre-positioning equipment and checking fires from previous days.
The DNR says elevated fire conditions are likely to continue Monday, with a chance to improve later in the week.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DNR warns of extreme fire danger for northern Wisconsin counties
