The Irony of a Wisconsin Spring: Flooding and Fires

Thursday, April 13th, 2023 -- 10:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Emergency managers across Central Wisconsin are dealing with two threats at the same time: flooding and fires.

The irony of those extremes is not lost on them said Marathon County Public Information Officer Sara Severson. "It's a bit contradicting if you look at the situation that we're dealing with."

She says flooding has taken hold of areas around the Wisconsin River and other low-lying areas, which residents are encouraged to stay away from. Especially near roadways.

"When waters creep over the banks of river, or lakes, or other streams, we don't know what they may have washed away. As we always say, turn around, don't drown. Again, we don't know if that roadway has been damaged, has been washed out due to the water, especially if there's a current. So, it's always best to not drive through those flooded roadways."

As for the fire danger, she says residents should wait before burning or using any sort of outdoor flame such as grills or firepits. "Conditions are very right or fire to spread at a very rapid pace."

She says you may be tempted to take advantage of an early-season grill-out or fire, but it's best to wait until conditions improve. "Be mindful of any open flame that you have in the outdoors at this point. It can be anything from grilling up to a campfire that could certainly, unintentionally, go wrong."

Extremely fast snowmelt in the Northwoods has created record-high conditions along the Wisconsin River near Downtown Wausau and a red flag conditions are in effect for much of the state as well.

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