Wisconsin Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wisconsin - April 21, 2026

Overview

Wisconsin is currently in the midst of its spring fire season, which typically lasts from snowmelt until vegetation greens up. Despite recent heavy rainfall and severe weather, the state is experiencing an elevated fire risk. A combination of dry, breezy weather, low humidity, and a significant amount of downed trees and storm debris from recent severe weather has led to moderate to high fire danger across the entire state. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with national fire activity running at roughly 200 percent of the 10-year average.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that 50 wildfires burned more than 150 acres across the state. While there are currently 0 active large-scale wildfires, the risk for new starts remains high. The abundance of downed trees and storm debris from recent severe weather provides additional natural fuel, making it easy for fires to spread if debris burning gets out of control.

Key Fires:
There are currently no active significant wildfires in Wisconsin. However, the recent smaller fires have been primarily fueled by light, flashy fuels such as dry grasses, pine needles, and leaf litter, which dry out very quickly in the spring breeze. The addition of heavy storm debris, including hardwood branches and downed trees, has increased the fuel load on the ground, posing a risk for more intense localized fires.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Currently, there are 0 active prescribed burns taking place on DNR lands due to the elevated fire danger. When conditions allow, prescribed burns are conducted in Wisconsin to reduce fuel loading, control invasive species, and promote the renewal of fire-dependent ecosystems like oak savannas and pine barrens. The DNR, along with Wisconsin's fire mascot Torchy Timberloss, continues to educate the public on the benefits of prescribed fire when managed safely.

Air Quality:
With no active large-scale wildfires or prescribed burns currently taking place, air quality remains generally good across the state. However, residents should remain aware of local conditions, as localized smoke from permitted debris burning or sudden wildfire starts could temporarily impact air quality.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across Wisconsin are generally clear and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to low 70s.
Forecasted Weather: A dry forecast is expected over the next 72 hours, featuring low humidity and breezy conditions. These weather factors will cause light fuels and vegetation to dry out rapidly, further elevating the fire danger.
Significant Events: A significant severe weather and tornado outbreak impacted west-central Wisconsin on Friday, April 17, 2026, producing EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes. This event left behind a massive amount of storm debris and downed trees, significantly increasing the wildfire risk for residents attempting to burn yard waste during cleanup efforts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: The DNR strongly urges residents to use caution with outdoor burning and to check daily fire danger and burn permit restrictions before lighting any fires. Instead of burning storm debris, residents are encouraged to use safer alternatives such as community yard waste collection, brush drop-off sites, or chipping. If burning is necessary, keep piles small, clear the surrounding area of burnable vegetation, and never leave a fire unattended. Delay burning if dry or windy weather is predicted.
Resource Allocation: The Wisconsin DNR is staffing all available fire equipment across the state and shifting resources to areas with elevated fire risk. Agencies remain on standby to mobilize quickly in the event that a large fire ignites.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Wisconsin DNR WisBurn (Fire Danger & Burning Restrictions): apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn or call 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.