Burn bans in effect across Wisconsin as DNR lists fire danger at 'high'

CALEDONIA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sounding the alarm for burn bans -- a rare sight for early March. Fire officials say this winter has been relatively dry leading to a head start to wildfire season.

Burn bans are in effect for several countries including Central and Western Wisconsin.

Lt. Matthew Yanny with the Caledonia Fire Department says it's not often the month of March begins with sunshine and low 60s.

"This is uncommon, yes. I have not seen conditions like this in a long time," he said. 

Warm temperatures this time of year can pose a danger.

"The ground is still dry in comparison to what it really should be this time of year," said Lt. Yanny. 

Without spring-like greenery and moisture, one small spark could turn deadly.

"Could be very dangerous to have a brush fire of some sorts," said Lt. Yanny. 

That’s why the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking Wisconsinites to avoid all outdoor burning. The DNR says its responded to 15 wildfires burning nearly 30 acres in a singular weekend, this season. 

"It could be as small as a campfire, as large as a prairie burn depending on what they have to do.”

According to the DNR's fire danger map, more than half of the entire state is under a high fire danger warning.

"All those dead leaves, all that dead grass. That’s still very flammable, whether that's in the urban area or the rural areas," said Lt. Yanny. 

He says even if your area doesn’t have a burn ban, you should always practice fire safety protocols.

"For us, safety wise, we want to make sure there’s somebody always in attendance of the burn. Have some sort of extinguishing agent around whether it be a fire extinguisher, garden hose, something like that," said Lt. Yanny.

If there is a fire, don’t hesitate to call for help.

"We’re happy to show up and have it be nothing. We’d rather keep it that way, but if it’s starts to get out of control, call 9-1-1 first and then if you can extinguish it safely, go right ahead, but call us first," he said.