MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to check fire danger and burn permit restrictions before conducting outdoor burning activities, as the spring fire season is underway and recent storms have increased the amount of debris on the landscape across much of Wisconsin.

Even with the heavy rainfall and severe weather last week, there were 50 wildfires that burned over 150 acres across the state. A dry forecast this week with expected low humidity and breezy conditions, coupled with a significant number of downed trees leading to more debris burning can result in increased wildfire risk.

Light fuels and vegetation dry out quickly, and wildfires can easily spread with the amount of natural fuel on the ground.

If recent storms have damaged the trees on your property, take some time to assess the damage and realistically determine if you can handle the cleanup yourself or if it’s time to call in some professionals. Watch for damaged branches and bent trees that could fall. Always prioritize your physical safety before attempting any cleanup activities.

Tips To Safely Handle Flood Debris & Storm Cleanup

The DNR recommends taking flood-damaged debris to your local transfer station for proper disposal. In addition, many communities have brush collection services or a site where you can drop off leaves, pine needles and branches they may have been scattered during the storms. Perhaps there’s even enough debris on your property to warrant the rental of a brush chipper.

If your property is large enough, you can create a brush pile away from buildings that could serve as shelter for wildlife. Larger pieces of hardwood can be cut for firewood or for use in campfire pits.

If none of these alternatives work for your situation and your community allows for burning the material, timing the burn around periods of wet weather may be the safer choice.

Before you light that match, take the following precautions:

Check for burn permit requirements and burning restrictions first. You can find information on the DNR’s Burning Restrictions webpage or by calling your nearest DNR office or local fire department.
Watch the weather forecast. Delay burning if dry or windy weather is predicted.
Be aware of your county’s fire danger by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or visiting WisBurn.
Keep debris piles small, with the area around the pile cleared of any burnable vegetation.
Have a water source and tools handy – and if the fire escapes your control, dial 911 immediately.
Stay with the fire until you have completed the burn. Make sure it’s out before you leave by dousing the ashes with water and mixing it in. Then, just to be safe, add more water. If any branches or larger pieces of wood remain unburned, check back frequently to make sure this material hasn’t reignited.

In Wisconsin, spring fire season typically lasts from snowmelt to “green up,” when the grasses are green and leaves are budding out again.

Fire danger and burn restrictions can change daily this time of year. It’s important to check before burning as fire officials will suspend burn permits as needed when fire danger becomes elevated.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Published on: Apr 20, 2026 at 1:31 pm