With high winds, low humidity this weekend, DNR suspends burning permits

By Brandi Makuski

Temperatures during the first weekend in May are expected to be nothing short of gorgeous, but firefighters are asking that residents take extra caution to mind any campfires they build.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a combination of temps in the mid-to-upper 60’s, plus gusty winds and “very low relative humidity readings” will lead to elevated fire weather conditions this weekend.

As a result, the DNR has suspended all burning permits until further notice. That means all burning debris in barrels, piles on the ground, and grass or wooded areas with annual burning permits in DNR protection areas is prohibited at this time.

But Lt. Armando Ramon from the Stevens Point Fire Department says small campfires, or backyard fires inside commercial fire rings, are still acceptable in the city limits.

“Because the winds are high, we recommend not burning at all,” Ramond said on Friday. “If [people] opt not to [have fires] it would probably be better, but at this time we are not stopping anyone.”

Ramon said fire restrictions have remained the same over the past several weeks.

Fire Chief Mark Deaver in Plover said the village, too, is following DNR guidelines, and not permitting any burning of brush or other debris within village limits.

“We had rain two days ago but the winds dried everything out,” Deaver said. “Fire danger is high, so we aren’t issuing any burning permits for the foreseeable future.”

Deaver said “fires for enjoyment or warmth or cooking food,” are permissible, but added residents should exercise extra caution over the weekend.