MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 2 to 8 p.m. for the following counties in northwest Wisconsin:
Burnett and Washburn.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Hot temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry fuels from lack of precipitation in the region are anticipated and can result in catastrophic fires.
The counties surrounding Burnett and Washburn are still in near-critical fire danger, and the public should avoid all burning across the region until conditions improve.
The DNR will prohibit burning with all DNR-issued burn permits where the DNR has burn restriction authority in areas with elevated fire danger. The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any fires from recent days to make sure they have been properly extinguished.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution until the fire weather and the fuel conditions improve.
The DNR responded to nearly 70 wildfires in the last week. Several fires occurred throughout northwest Wisconsin, the same area where the Red Flag Warning is in effect.
Severe conditions continue across much of the state, and the threat of a large wildfire remains extremely high in Wisconsin. Elevated fire conditions are expected to persist through tomorrow until rain falls. The DNR is at full staffing and preparedness across the state to respond to any incidents.
Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.
