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Spring Melt Could Spell Early Wildfires

Wildfire season is getting an early start in Wisconsin, thanks to the recent snow melt.

DNR Forester Ranger John Gillen in Rhinelander says April and May are typically the most active months for forest fires in Wisconsin. 

“This year seems to be coming a little bit before that time, in March. And certainly my counterparts in the southern part of the state are already active in suppressing forest fires.”

Gillen says fire season in northern Wisconsin shouldn’t be far behind, if the warm weather continues. 

He says brush and grasses dry out quickly once the snow melts, and create a fire hazard. He says the snowpack contains relatively little moisture. 

“And once that snow is gone, with winds and higher temperatures, that vegetation and dry material on the grasses or fine materials in the forest can dry out really, really quickly this time of year.”

Gillen says most forest fires are ignited by human sources, and with low humidity and high winds, even a spark or an ember can ignite a balze. 

People can still burn outdoors while there’s snow on the ground, but will need a burn permit once the snow cover recedes.  

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