Starting Feb. 1 fire management crews will conduct prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout the state. The first prescribed burns of the season will be at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area in southeast Wisconsin.
Forecasted weather conditions indicate optimal conditions for the burns, which help reduce the chance for wildfires by removing excess dead plant material. Prescribed burns also support healthy ecosystems for an abundance of plants and animals.
DNR fire management crews plan to burn cattail marshes, clearing buildup of dead vegetation and opening waterways for waterfowl to feed and nest. Burning in winter takes advantage of wet conditions and frozen ground, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh burns.
Winter cattail marsh burns also mark the beginning of the fire management season for DNR crews. Additional windows of opportunity for prescribed burning continue through spring, and open again in late summer and fall, mid-July through November.
Many plant communities in Wisconsin benefit from periodic fire, such as prairie, wetland, oak/pine barrens and oak savanna, and would not exist without occasional fires to restore balance between open grass and brush.
Prescribed burns are conducted for the health of these ecosystems and mimic the natural benefits fire historically provided. These benefits include a decrease in dead grass (thatch) buildup, improved space for wildlife to feed, nest and raise young, and an increase in native grass and wildflower growth.
Before every prescribed burn season, staff spend months comprehensively planning for the safety and ecological benefit of each burn. Staff makes the decision to conduct prescribed burns only when weather and vegetation conditions meet strict standards for safety, smoke management and burn effectiveness.
Even after careful planning, weather forecast evaluations, vegetation moisture measurements and staff training, each burn is reassessed on the morning of the burn and at the burn site. The DNR also notifies local law enforcement and fire officials in advance of when and where prescribed burns will take place.
For 2022, all burns conducted on DNR land will continue to follow additional Covid-19 operational protocols to further minimize health and safety risks to burn crews and the general public. When conducting prescribed burns near roads or recreational trails, the DNR will post signs on the morning of the burn to notify the public. For public safety, avoid these areas while the burn is being conducted.
For current daily status of prescribed burns across the state, visit the WisBURN page, click “View Current Fires,” and show “Today’s Prescribed Burns.”
More information regarding the benefits of prescribed burning in Wisconsin, is available online. Emailed comments should be sent to Prescribed Fire Specialist Michele Witecha at michele.witecha@wisconsin.gov, or by calling (608)333-3664.