Wildfire Season

Dry weather, gusty winds and minimal chances of precipitation ahead of a strong cold front are in the forecast for the week.That increases the risk for any fire to get out of control and spread quickly.

Although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state's vegetation is still dead and dry.

The National Weather Service says elevated fire weather conditions are expected Monday afternoon and early evening due to mild temperatures and low relative humidity

As of Friday afternoon, the fire danger level across the Northwoods was high or very high.

The Wisconsin DNR is warning of high fire danger across the state right now.All counties except Vilas, Forest, and Florence counties are at the high level for fire risk. Those three are in the moderate category.The Wisconsin DNR is asking people to avoid burning this week.

Right now is peak wildfire season in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula.Any fires that start this week could spread very quickly through the dry grass and trees.

One day in 1986, dubbed Black Tuesday, went down in History as the most wildland fires fought in a single day in Northern Wisconsin. By the end of that Tuesday, 64 fires would burn hundreds of acres.

A wildfire has led to evacuations in Juneau County. Authorities say the fire began in Necedah, about 90 miles north of Madison, and had spread to roughly 100 acres.

The state Department of Natural Resources has listed 52 counties in the “very high risk” category for fires, mostly in northern areas.

Spring is most dangerous time of year for wildfires in Wisconsin.After the snow melts, but before the grass and trees turn green fires can spread quickly.