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Crime & Safety

Fire Department Warns of High Fire Risk During Dry Spring

The Brookfield Fire Department joins the DNR in asking residents to refrain from outdoor fires and other hazards.

Hoping to avoid forest fires during a particularly dry spring, the state Department of Natural Resources suspended all burning permits over the weekend, and local fire departments like Brookfield's are asking residents and businesses to refrain from outdoor burning until further notice.

The unseasonably warm and dry spring, compounded by windy weather, puts Wisconsin at unusually high risk for forest fires, as any stray sparks are especially suseptible to catching on dry landscape and spreading out of control.

"With the very low humidity levels the areas that have not started to "green up" are very susceptible for fire," Brookfield Fire Chief Charlie Myers said. "Additionally, the strong winds will accelerate fire in spread and hamper extinguishment measures."

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The DNR has categorized 68 of 74 Wisconsin counties as under "very high" levels of danger, including all of southeastern Wisconsin, and issued emergency burning restrictions across the state.

As part of the restrictions, the DNR is asking residents to avoid making campfires, smoking outdoors, using grills, disposing of hot ashes or charcoal, or doing any type of outdoor burning.

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"Fires in these areas may spread hot embers and brands that can start fires in other areas or ignite wooden house shingles," Myers said.

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