Words of caution from a DNR spokesperson: don't burn without checking for permits and conditions.
Forester-Ranger John Gillen in Rhinelander says they've been busy since the warm and low-humidity weather came into the region...
"....now that we lost the snowpack and we've been dry for a couple of days, that's all that it takes for our spring fire activity to build and that's what we've seen over the last couple of days..."
He says the Woodruff fire dispatch has been busy. Gillen says you can get a free permit and check on conditions on the DNR website or you can get help from a DNR Service Center or emergency fire wardens. He says burning is allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight. He says also be careful with anything that could cause a fire...
"....such as barbeque grills, campfire, dragging chains behind machinery down the road, anything that could spark a forest fire. Make sure any fire you have is fully extinguished..."
The fire danger is listed as "high" in most of the Northwoods, with the exception of Vilas and Price counties where it is "moderate". Iron county has about 3 inches of snow on the ground and more in the woods. Marathon county is listed as "very high".
