RHINELANDER - Hot sun and low humidity combined to create a beautiful start to our week in the Northwoods.|
But that type of weather helped lead to at least four grass and brush fires in the Oneida County area Monday, too.
Those fires show how important it is to stay within DNR burning regulations, especially with weather like this.
Fire blackened a patch of forest near Lake Mildred, northwest of Rhinelander, Monday afternoon.
Homeowner Glenn Anderson was burning waste in a barrel near the edge of the forest when a spark started a bigger fire.
Before long, the forest was on fire, due to the dry fuel under the trees.
"Even though we had ice and snow over the weekend, things have dried out considerably in the area up here. The oak leaves and the grass vegetation are extremely dry right now, and the fires are still spreading. Even though it might be wet in some areas, it's burning across the surface," said DNR Forestry Technician Phillip Puestow.
No one was hurt and no buildings were damaged.
That might have been different if the wind had been blowing from another direction.
The property owner now knows how to keep his burns safe on days like today.
"I learned a good lesson here. I was burning things in the burn barrel during the day, sometimes, and I find out that you're not supposed to burn until after six o'clock at night, and you have to check with the DNR every day before you burn, because some days they have restrictions. Live and learn!" said property owner Glenn Anderson.
Burning after 6 p.m. reduces the chances that wind can carry off sparks or embers.
The DNR requires everyone to get a free burning permit.
Many days, burning in the evening is allowed, but some days have restrictions altogether.
See the link below for full details.
DNR Burning Permits and Fire Restrictions