NO BURNING ALLOWED

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin officials have issued wildfire warnings across the state. The state Department of Natural Resources has listed 52 counties in the “very high risk” category for fires, mostly in northern areas including Iron, Ashland, Bayfield, Price and Vilas Counties. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to stay vigilant and avoid burning because of very high fire danger across most of Wisconsin. Areas with VERY HIGH danger include Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron counties. All DNR issued annual and special burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns are suspended in these counties where the DNR has burning permit authority. Avoid all outdoor burning until conditions improve. Check daily fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website at bit.ly/WiFireDanger. Authorities say high winds, dry conditions and low humidity will make it easier for fire to spread. Officials are asking people to avoid all outdoor burning, including campfires, and to use caution when operating off-road vehicles. More than 250 wildfires have been reported in Wisconsin this year, covering about 440 acres. Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires.