(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that fire management crews will start conducting prescribed burns across Wisconsin properties.
A recent press release from the DNR says thanks to recent rainfall, certain areas now have the right conditions for safe burning.
The DNR states that prescribed burns typically begin in winter, focusing on cattail marshes, wetlands, and wet prairies. These winter burns are important because they help control wildfires during the summer when cattails are more likely to catch fire.
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Burning in winter takes advantage of ice and snow, which helps keep the fires manageable.
According to the DNR, these controlled burns are crucial in maintaining healthy ecosystems for plants and animals. They mimic the benefits of natural fires that used to occur in Wisconsin but are done under safer weather conditions. Many plan communities, like prairies and wetlands, depend on these fires to thrive.
The DNR highlights that throughout history, periodic natural fires were managed by First Nation people, being the first “fire-dependent” plant communities.
The DNR says winter burns help remove dead plants and improve habitats for wildlife, especially for migratory birds. The ash left behind from the fire acts as a natural fertilizer, helping enrich the soil. Prescribed burns also help reduce invasive plants and support the growth of native trees, like oak and pine.
Planning these burns takes time for the DNR, often weeks or months, and they are only conducted when conditions are just right for safety and effectiveness.
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The DNR will post signs around areas where burning is happening and urge the public to stay clear. Local law enforcement and fire officials are notified in advance about the burns.
For more information, including a schedule of upcoming burns, visit the DNR’s Prescribed Fire Dashboard and their website on prescribed burning benefits.
