Authorities again are warning against any outdoor activities that might spark a wildfire this spring, annually the most critical fire season of the year.

Much of Wisconsin is rated “Very High” for fire danger, including the entire northern portion of the state, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources suspending burn permits in 43 counties and asking the public to avoid outdoor burning activities.

The western Upper Peninsula is at “High” risk, while the eastern side is mostly “Moderate.” Downstate, however, many areas in the northern and central Lower Peninsula are like Wisconsin, at “Very High,” made worse by downed trees and branches still remaining from the March 2025 ice storm. A map of fire risk in both states can be viewed at https://glff.mesowest.org/map/#/c4465,-8723,7/g0/mc/vadjc/s/n/zt.

Fire risk is increased by ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warmer temperatures and breezy conditions, with gusts up to 35 mph expected, the Wisconsin DNR states in a news release. Even a few days between precipitation can dry out grasses, pine needles and leaf litter, creating hazardous conditions.

Embers from any recent fires, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily get out of control and cause a wildfire if not properly extinguished. Please avoid all burning until conditions improve, the Wisconsin DNR advised.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also be extra careful with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. With dry weather conditions across much of the state, fires can spark at any time.

The DNR offered these simple tips to prevent wildfires from getting out of control —

— Avoid outdoor burning, including campfires, until conditions improve.

— Operate equipment — chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc. — early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.

— Secure dragging trailer chains.

— Report fires early and call 911.

Be aware of your county’s burning status. In Wisconsin, call 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or go online to WisBurn. In Michigan, the DNR burn permit hotline is 866-922-BURN or go online to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the Wisconsin DNR’s website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ForestFire. For Michigan, go to https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/fire.