High fire danger for more than half of state

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An early start to the spring wildfire season will likely put a strain on firefighting in Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources has issued a high fire danger alert for most of the central and eastern half of the state. DNR wildfire prevention specialist Catherine Koele says the fire danger warnings usually start in southern Wisconsin and spread north as the snow melts. But, with relatively little snow this season, the wildfire season started at the same time throughout the state.

The Journal Sentinel says firefighters so far have responded to 160 wildfires on more than 300 acres of DNR protected land. The DNR is particularly concerned about northwestern Wisconsin where last summer's storms knocked over thousands of trees and created a potential fire hazard.

Annual burning permits are required for burning debris throughout the year whenever the ground is not completely snow covered in nearly all of Douglas County. Free burning permits are available through town fire wardens or the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov. Permit holders can then check the website or dial the state hotline at (888) 947-2876 to check where and when burning is allowed.

Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com.

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