Red Flag Warnings Continue Because Of Wildfire Danger In Wisconsin

Warm, dry, windy weather is creating prime conditions for wildfires across Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued red flag warnings for the second day in a row for seven counties in western and central Wisconsin.

The warnings have been issued for Jackson, Trempealeau, Juneau, Monroe, Clark, La Crosse and Adams counties.

Sunday, there were 43 reported wildfires in Wisconsin, including two large ones in Clark County. Some 90 acres were burned near the Bruce Mound ski area. Crews were still on the scene Monday afternoon making sure hot spots were contained.

Several homes were evacuated, but none were damaged, said Catherine Koele, a wildfire prevention specialist with the DNR.

“Thankfully no injuries, no structures lost. We did have our single-engine air tankers on those two fires making drops, which allowed ground resources to attack the edges as they could,” Koele said,

Another wildfire near Hewett in Clark County burned more than 30 acres.

Koele asked the public to be careful with campfires, outdoor grills and smoking, and to call 911 if they see a wildfire burning.

“Any fires you’ve had over the last couple of days, make sure those embers are out, because in these winds, these dry conditions, that can definitely start back up again and start a fire,” she said.

The DNR is prohibiting all burning with DNR-issued burning permits in the affected areas.

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 3 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2018 to include original reporting from WPR.