The days after the snow leaves and the time before the forests green up is one of the most dangerous times for wildfires.
DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Catherine Koele in Woodruff..
"...It's nice to see this white stuff disappearing and what that means for the rest of us in the Division of Forestry is it's fire season. It started in the south and has been progressing to the north..."
Last year's leaves and grass form a combustible mix on the forest floor says Koele. She says the public can help prevent wildfires...
"..The number one thing the public can do is consider an alternative to burning. 98 percent of our fires in Wisconsin are caused by people. If you do choose to burn, the best way to prevent a wildfire is to get a burning permit. Know the fire danger and then follow the rules on the burning permit..."
Koele says anybody found responsible for starting a wildfire is liable for all suppression costs and potentially any damages associated with that. She says that's also true even if your have a burning permit.
She says boats, atv's and trailers can cause sparks that trigger fires. She says make sure your chains aren't dragging along the road as that can cause some sparks. Hot exhausts and catalytic converters are also fire starters.
Koele says this year marks Smokey Bear's 75th birthday and is a reminder that, as Smokey says, 'Only You Can Prevent Wildfires'.
