**Effective March 27, 2020 all DNR burning permits are suspended until further notice**

 

 

What does this mean?

 

·         All DNR burn permits suspended and will no longer be issued (written or electronically)

 

·         NO burning debris piles in barrels, on the ground, grass or wooded areas

 

·         Small campfires for warming or cooking are ok but, strongly discouraged; burning debris in a campfire ring is NOT considered a campfire

 

 

 

How will I know when I get a burn permit and/or burn debris again?

 

·         Check website dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire” and the DNR social media for the up-to-date status

 

·         DNR will continue to remain in compliance with

 

department leadership mandates and recommendations and will evaluate wildfire and pandemic risks as the situation evolves

 

 

 

Why is this being done?

 

·         Spring in Wisconsin has the highest fire risk; debris burning is the #1 cause

 

o   After snowmelt and before green-up when vegetation is dry (March-May)

 

·         People are traditionally doing yard clean-up and choose to burn to dispose of yard waste, increasing fire risk

 

·         Increase social distancing/decrease person-to-person contact and decrease geographic travel of emergency responders and firefighters

 

·         Teleworking and reduced number of available staff may result in compromised emergency response and can result in rapid wildfire growth

 

·         Reduce smoke impact to those with compromised respiratory functions and firefighters

 

 

 

Are public services still being provided?

 

·         Fire and emergency response personnel are prepared to respond as usual

 

o   They are operating on more strict standard operating procedures (e.g., one person per vehicle, sanitizing equipment, precautions when interacting with others, etc.)

 

o   Response time may be slower (see above)

 

·         Fire detection measures include citizen reporting and patrol aircraft; report fires early, dial 911

 

 

 

What if I have a special situation/need?

 

·         Special burning permits may be allowed for time-sensitive reasons and with a site inspection (e.g., agricultural site prep or land clearing development)

 

o   Contact your local forester to discuss; please allow extra response time

 

o   You may be asked to video or photo the site and email or text images