Dry Fall Causing Increased Wildfire Costs

Saturday, October 26th, 2024 -- 6:30 AM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) -Wisconsin has seen around 250 more wildfires this year than the average for the last decade as the state faces high fire danger due to dry, warm weather.

More than 1,000 wildfires have consumed over 2,400 acres so far this year, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 10-year average for this time of year is 772 wildfires, with an average of under 1,800 acres burned. In the past week, there were 82 wildfires reported in the state, and Army National Guard helicopters are on standby to assist with fire suppression. While it’s not uncommon to see a spike in wildfires during the fall, DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Catherine Koele said the blazes are being driven by warmer weather, gusty winds and dry conditions. “We need some really good soaking rain events or some snow to really kind of put this fire season at bay,” Koele said. This year, the state has spent just under $800,000 on fire suppression, over $200,000 more than the average for the last decade. Around 600 agency staff are trained and maintain wildland fire qualifications, which includes those involved in firefighting and incident management. In recent days, Koele said they’ve seen larger fires that have been sparked by equipment, such as lawnmowers and recreational vehicles like ATVs and UTVs. Typically, around one-third of fires are caused by debris burning, which are reported more quickly. With fires sparked by equipment, she said they may go undetected until people see smoke.

Right now, Koele said they’re seeing more fires that are smoldering into the root systems of trees as leaves almost create a cap on top, which burn longer and take more time to extinguish. “We don’t see it until it kind of rears its ugly head with some smoke, so it does take a lot of water and a lot of resources to put these fires that we’re seeing out right now,” Koele said. The DNR is urging people to avoid outdoor burning and operating vehicles on dry grass, as well as use equipment early or late in the day. People are also encouraged to take steps to avoid igniting fires from equipment, such as securing trailer chains that could create sparks while driving.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.