April 2, 2020 at 4:44 p.m.
Burn permits suspended in Wisconsin
Burn permits suspended in Wisconsin
The DNR reported that 98 percent of all wildfires in Wisconsin are caused by humans. Wildfires create large threats to public safety, property and natural resources. Because people are outside attending to their yard clean up as the snow subsides, many would like to burn the debris they rake up, or put everything in a barrel and burn that. At this time, all of that activity is prohibited. Burn permits already issues have also been cancelled.
"Due to the COVID-19 Safer at Home order, we are taking proactive measures by suspending all Department of Natural Resources burning permits until further notice to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites," agency officials said in a press release. During the pandemic, emergency responders and firefighters have an increased need to take precautions so that they may be available to protect the public during this time.
The DNR also noted that, whether a DNR burn permit is issued or not, local or other municipal restrictions may still not allow burning, so once the statewide ban is lifted, those looking to burn should still check with their local municipality to ensure they are able to burn. Reporting wildfires should be done by dialing 9-1-1.
Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].
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