Drought fuels uptick in wildfires across Wisconsin, majority started by humans

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- The overnight rain was a welcome sight for crews who've been battling wildfires -- nearly 900 across state this year, 164 more than last year at this time. 

The DNR says the main reason for the uptick comes as no surprise. 

"We've definitely seen an uptick this year compared to even the last several years. What we attribute that to, at this point, is the drought."

Dry vegetation is fuel for those fires. Even when it does rain, it doesn't automatically reduce the fire risk. 

In addition to the number of wildfires, the size of them is also alarming. 

So far, 4.5-thousand acres have burned, compared to about 750 acres last year. 

"This year is not normal. So, we're asking people to kind of open their minds to that idea that this is, this is a worse year than what we've experienced in some time," said Amy Penn, forestry specialist with Wisconsin DNR. "And so extra precautions, it should change how we behave in the outdoors."

The DNR says 98% of Wisconsin wildfires are started by humans. The number one cause is debris burning.