With the snow mostly gone and longer sunny days drying everything out, spring fire season has arrived — that dangerous period before enough new greenery grows to make the brown grasses and bare branches less vulnerable to a stray spark or ember.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds the public to check fire danger and burn permit restrictions before conducting outdoor burning activities, as recent storms have increased the amount of debris on the landscape across much of Wisconsin.

Even with recent heavy rainfalls and severe weather, Wisconsin last week had 50 wildfires that burned more than 150 acres across the state. The mostly dry, warmer and breezy conditions, coupled with a significant number of downed trees leading to more debris burning, can result in increased wildfire risk, the DNR states in a news release.

As always, the Wisconsin DNR fire advice is worth heeding for the Upper Peninsula as well.

If recent storms damaged trees on your property, take some time to assess the damage and realistically determine if you can handle the cleanup yourself or if it’s time to call in some professionals. Watch for damaged branches and bent trees that could fall. Always prioritize your physical safety before attempting any cleanup activities.

The DNR recommends taking flood-damaged debris to a local transfer station for proper disposal. In addition, many communities have brush collection services or a drop-off site for leaves, pine needles and branches that may have been scattered during the storms. Perhaps there’s even enough debris to warrant renting a brush chipper.

If your property is large enough, you can create a brush pile away from buildings that could serve as shelter for wildlife. Larger pieces of hardwood can be cut for firewood or for use in campfire pits.

If none of these alternatives work and the local government allows for burning the material, timing the burn around periods of wet weather may be the safer choice.

Before lighting that match, the DNR recommends taking these precautions:

— Check for burn permit requirements and burning restrictions. In Wisconsin and Michigan, the DNR has a webpage showing where burning is restricted. You can also call the nearest DNR office or local fire department.

— Watch the weather forecast. Delay burning if dry or windy weather is predicted.

— Be aware of your county’s fire danger by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or visiting WisBurn. In Michigan, the DNR burn permit hotline is 866-922-BURN.

— Keep debris piles small, with the area around the pile cleared of any burnable vegetation.

— Have a water source and tools handy – and if the fire escapes control, dial 911 immediately.

— Stay with the fire until you have completed the burn. Make sure it’s out before you leave by dousing the ashes with water and mixing it in. Then, just to be safe, add more water. If any branches or larger pieces of wood remain unburned, check back frequently to make sure this material hasn’t reignited.

Fire danger and burn restrictions can change daily this time of year. It’s important to check before burning, as fire officials will suspend burn permits as needed when fire danger becomes elevated.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on each state’s respective DNR website.