DNR and campgrounds advise fire safety over Labor Day weekend

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With hot, dry, weather looking ahead, there's an elevated fire risk across much of the state.

The fire risk is prompting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to make an unpopular request on a weekend known for outdoor cooking and campfires.

Labor Day tends to draw big numbers to parks and campgrounds. 

"We're super busy for this Labor Day weekend, so we're excited about it," said Ethan Hansing and Cassie Hanly, General Managers from Crazy Horse Campground. 

There is no ban on outdoor cooking and campfires. 

"But I would have them in the evening," said Catherine Koele, Wisconsin DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist.

Koele said there is more of a tendency for embers to get out of control on windy, dry afternoons. 

"As we head into the holiday weekend, we certainly have some concerns about the elevated fire danger that's on the horizon," said Koele. 

This Labor Day weekend more than half the state is in a high fire risk and the DNR just hopes campers and park goers will be cautious. 

"Make sure you've got good clearance; you know maybe a concrete pad around it or gravel. Make sure you have water or tools and never leave that fire unattended and then make sure that fire's out before you leave," said Koele. 

At Crazy Horse Campground, their water activities make warm weekends a little easier.

Some people camp with us just to use our river," said Hansing and Hanly. 

With an escape from the heat, management updates their app, and posts alerts there. They said they have fire safety advice. 

"We always recommend smaller fires, not too much, or don't use any gasoline or flammable stuff that could catch fire easily," said Hansing and Hanly. 

In Caledonia, reservations for Cliffside Park Campground started pouring in weeks ago.

"It is that last hurrah and you know you want to avoid any bad news, any bad experience, especially with these dangerous, potentially dangerous fire conditions," said Andrew Goetz, Racine County Communications and Media Relations Director.

Goetz is calling on campers to watch their fires, but also their trucks.

If you're driving, maybe you're driving your truck around town, make sure you're securing your chains. Make sure those aren't dragging on the ground, and possibly causing a spark or a fire hazard," said Goetz.

Just have fun, you know it's coming to the end of the camping season, and I know a lot of people are going back to school and work so just have fun while you can, a long weekend. Stay safe. Yea, stay safe," said Hansing and Hanly.