Conditions Sunday could easily lead to a wildfire starting and spreading quickly in northern Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the following counties in northern Wisconsin:
Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Vilas and Washburn.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Hot temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry fuels from ongoing lack of precipitation are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.
The DNR will prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits where the DNR has burn restriction authority. The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any fires from recent days to make sure they have been properly extinguished.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution until the fire weather and the fuel conditions improve.
The DNR responded to nearly 100 wildfires in the last week. Several fires occurred throughout northern Wisconsin, the same area where much of the Red Flag Warning has been declared. As a result, the counties in the impacted area will move to Extreme fire danger. Several adjacent counties will remain at near critical fire danger.
Fire control officials will be on high alert across the entire state, pre-positioning equipment for rapid response and checking any fires from previous days. The DNR anticipates continued dry, elevated fire conditions again on Monday with a chance of some moderating conditions later in the week.
Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.
