Red Flag Warning Issued, Two Fires in Clark County
Shortly before 2 pm on Sunday, a fire was reported at the Bruce Mound Winter Sports Area. Five local fire departments and the Wisconsin DNR, along with air support are on the scene. As of Monday, officials are still looking at a cause and the extent of damage to the area.
A second fire was been reported a short four miles away. The Wisconsin DNR and National Weather Service have issued a Red Flag Warning on Sunday, April 29 due to dangerous fire conditions. There were 35 wildfires statewide.
Firefighters contained the Bruce Mound fire and are still working on putting the fire completely out. Containing a fire means working from the outside in toward the center of the fire, said Clint Gilman, Black River Falls DNR.
The public is advised to check with the DNR website before making a fire.
“Check our DNR burning restrictions. If you’re in the intensive or extensive areas, make sure you’re checking,” said Gilman. “There are a few possible citations if you’re not following those rules and regulations.”
UPDATE: As of 4:15 p.m. Sunday, April 29, WDNR reports this is the busiest day of the fire year to date with 35 wildfires by mid- to late-afternoon. Fires are occurring statewide, mostly smaller in size. Air tankers were put in the air making drops to slow the fire spread. This enables ground crews to work the edges.
MADISON – In conjunction with the Wis. Department of Natural Resources, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Sunday, April 29 until 7 p.m. for the following western Wisconsin counties: Vernon, La Crosse, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, Dunn, Pierce, St. Croix, Polk and Burnett.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds and exceptionally dry fuels are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.
As a result, the Wisconsin DNR is prohibiting all burning with DNR-issued burning permits and is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire. Campfires, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire. Please use extreme caution during these unusually dangerous conditions.
The DNR responded to 25 wildfires yesterday, April 28, mostly caused by debris burning. Fire officials recently brought in two contracted taker planes with foam-dropping capability for quick-strike initial attack and currently are stationed in Necedah.
Much of the state continues to be very high to extreme fire danger and the areas where the DNR sets burning restrictions are expected to suspend burning permits today until conditions improve. Continue to monitor the current fire danger and any burning restrictions at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire.”
