(WTAQ-WLUK) — The public is encouraged to check their trailers and outdoor equipment prior to use due to the elevated wildfire risk across the state.
Despite recent rainfall in some areas and some forecasted rain, conditions are still dry, leading to high and very high fire danger across the entire state Thursday. Wildfires that occur under these conditions can burn for great lengths of time and smolder underground for days and can be challenging to suppress.
In the past seven days alone, there have been 82 wildfires across Wisconsin, with 32 of them starting because of improper equipment use (things like unsecured trailer chains, lawnmowers, ATVs and UTVs, tractors, etc.).
For example, a 200-acre marsh fire in Winnebago County is believed to have been caused by possible mechanical failure of an ATV.
With fall in full swing in Wisconsin, and between boats headed to storage for the winter, hunters towing recreational vehicles to their hunting land and landowners around the state trailering yard waste to transfer sites or burning it themselves, the potential for incidental ignitions is elevated this time of year.
By taking just a few basic precautions, everyone can help prevent wildfires in Wisconsin:
- Secure dragging parts and trailer chains to avoid creating sparks while driving.
- Avoid operating vehicles on dry grass.
- Check tire pressure for exposed rims.
- Maintain brakes and other high-wear components to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
- Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
- Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR’s website.
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