Fire Risk Still High In Wisconsin

State officials are asking residents to stay vigilant and avoid burnings due to high fire dangers thru western and southern Wisconsin. Of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, 48 of them are currently under high fire danger warnings. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said because of an ongoing drought, drying vegetation is especially vulnerable to catching fire. DNR officials say residents can follow a handful of tips to reduce their risk of starting a fire, including delaying fires to the evening hours and keeping them small. Also, operating equipment like chainsaws, lawn-mowers and off-road vehicles early in the morning or late in the day can help avoid sparks during peak burn hours. Among the counties under high fire danger are – Grant, Crawford, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Sauk, Dane, Green and Vernon Counties.