In 2005, 214 forest fires burned over 3790 acres in the DNR Wisconsin Rapids Area.  30 percent of all forest fires last year were the result of people burning brush piles and/or failing to completely extinguish when they were done. Specifically, in the Towns of Rome and Leola there were 6 reported forest fires burning just over one-half acre.  Of the 3790 acres burned last year, 3410 acres were blackened on May 5 at the Cottonville Fire.  The fire also destroyed 30 residences (9 primary and 21 secondary/seasonal), and 74 other outbuildings.  It burned a swath approximately 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

    As of Jan. 31, 2006, 6 forest fires have burned over 3 acres in the Wisconsin Rapids Area.  For current DNR fire statistics and fire danger level, please visit http://workplan.org/forestry/FireReport/Public/Reports/WDNR-Fire_Report.asp.  To learn more about the DNR Fire Management program visit http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/Fire/index.htm.  If the ground is completely snow covered (meaning 1 inch of snow or more) and the snow cover will remain during the time you will be burning, a burning permit is NOT required.  If, on the other hand, the ground is not completely snow covered or it is snowing in the morning, but it is not accumulating, a burning permit IS required.  Common sense needs to be used; if a light snow fell overnight and the predicted high for the following day is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the snow would likely melt during the day and a burning permit WOULD BE required.

   Keep in mind that burning permits are only valid under very specific conditions.  Burning permits allow you to burn from 6:00 PM until midnight, except Sundays and holidays. Only clean paper, untreated and unpainted wood, cardboard, brush, leaves, and needles can be legally burned with a burning permit.  Note – this excludes treated lumber, plywood, and oriented-strand board (OSB)!  DNR burning permits are required in all unincorporated areas of southern Wood County, all of Adams County and the majority of Juneau County.  This includes the entire Town of Rome.  Burning permits are free of charge. In the Town of Rome, burning permits are available at Pritzl’s, Lake Arrowhead Lodge and Lake Camelot Lodge.

   Individuals who conduct outdoor burning not only need to obtain the proper permit, they need to make sure they never leave the fire unattended.  Numerous forest fires result every year from unattended burning operations or from burn piles and campfires that were not completely extinguished.    A shovel and water go a long way toward preventing forest fires every year.  A campfire or burn pile that is still “smoking a little” or just “smoldering” is NOT completely extinguished.

   There are many ways homeowners can protect their home and property from wildfires this spring.  Some of the most basic Firewise principle ideas that cost nothing but the landowner’s time include:

1.        Clear leaves, brush and dry grass within 30 feet of houses and other structures.  This will reduce the chance of a wildfire reaching them and provide a safety zone or “defensible space” for firefighters to work in.  Keep the area cleared throughout the fire season.

2.        Clean the roof and rain gutters regularly keeping them free of twigs, leaves, and pine needles.  Remove all tree limbs within 20 feet of the chimney/stovepipe.

3.       Trim branches that hang over the buildings.

4.       Store firewood and other combustible materials like picnic tables at least 30’ away from the house and buildings. Clear a space of at least 10’ around them.

5.       Post the house address along the road at the driveway entrance as well as on the home. The Town of Rome is to be commended for seeing the need for this in the community and implementing a plan to accomplish this.  All emergency services, and in return the citizens, will benefit from this project.

     Careless outdoor burning, although the leading cause of forest fires in Wisconsin, is not the only cause.  Many people use their wood stoves and/or fireplaces occasionally.  When cleaning out the ash from these, there can be hot coals or embers that persist for several days.  Ashes should be extinguished by placing them in a metal container and soaking them with water for 24 hours.  If you spread them out on your garden area, double check the ashes to make sure they are cold, DEAD OUT.

     If you have been burning brush piles this past winter, be sure to check the remnants of the brush pile to see if there is still some smoldering materials that have been protected from the moisture we have received.  Brush piles that were not completely extinguished during the winter have been documented as causes of forest fires up to three months later!  If these smoldering materials are not completely extinguished, a fire may unexpectedly flare up on a dry, windy spring day.

     You might also want to consider alternative methods of disposal.  Composting, recycling, and chipping are all alternatives to burning that are much safer, reduce air pollution, and are probably time savers in the long run.

    If the weather turns warm, dry, and windy for extended periods of time, the DNR will not hesitate to temporarily cancel the issuance of burning permits or, if necessary, ban all outside burning.  For individuals who will be burning this spring, please watch and listen for changes in the burning conditions.

     This spring have fun, obtain a burning permit if you plan to burn, and be Firewise.

     Thank you to the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of residents and visitors last year who had obtained burning permits when necessary, understood why we cancelled burning permits twice last year, and were concerned enough about the dangers of burning and forest fires to share and spread the fire prevention message.

                                                                                                         Submitted by Brian Luebke, Fire Warden