Wisconsin Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wisconsin - August 23, 2026

Overview

Wisconsin is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk, particularly in the southern part of the state. This is driven by a combination of warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and breezy south to southeast winds. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has placed all of southern Wisconsin in the "High" fire danger category, meaning wildfires can ignite easily, spread rapidly, and be challenging to control.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, new wildland fire activity across Wisconsin has been minimal, allowing crews to focus on monitoring and recovery. However, initial attack crews and local agencies remain on high alert for any new starts due to the elevated fire danger. Recent weeks saw active suppression efforts across the state, requiring coordinated responses from the DNR and local fire departments.

Key Fires:

• Pembine Fire: Ignited earlier in August near Pembine, WI, this multi-acre fire was fueled by timber, dry brush, and mixed forest vegetation. DNR bulldozers were deployed to successfully create fire breaks and halt the spread, ensuring no homes or structures were lost. The fire is fully contained, and crews have spent recent days monitoring the perimeter for lingering smoke and hotspots.
• Ghost Fire: Located in Monroe, Wisconsin, this small incident was contained at 1 acre. It primarily burned through dry grass and surface fuels. Firefighters quickly halted its progression.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Wisconsin DNR continues to manage fire risk and public safety through the WisBURN system. Due to the current "High" fire danger in southern counties, daily DNR burn restrictions are actively in place. Residents planning to burn debris or conduct small-scale land management burns must check the WisBURN application or call the DNR hotline daily to verify if burning is allowed or suspended.
Air Quality: Light wildfire smoke originating from fires in Canada's Northwest Territories has moved into the region, leading to a Moderate (Yellow) Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across parts of the state over the weekend. However, continued northerly flow and robust vertical atmospheric mixing are expected to dilute smoke concentrations, bringing air quality back to Good (Green) levels by Sunday afternoon.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Southern Wisconsin is experiencing warm temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s, with relative humidity values dropping significantly to between 20 and 30 percent.
Forecasted Weather: South to southeast winds are blowing at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. The combination of dry air and gusty winds creates an elevated risk for wildfires, meaning sparks could ignite easily and spread quickly in dry, grassy areas. While no Red Flag Warnings are currently active, the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan advises extreme caution. Heading into the early part of the week, scattered light rain and thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the state, which is expected to help alleviate the dry conditions.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to check daily fire conditions and avoid outdoor burning activities in areas designated with High fire danger. It is crucial to be extremely careful with hot equipment near dry, grassy areas and to avoid throwing flammable materials, such as cigarettes, out of vehicle windows.
Resource Allocation: Wisconsin DNR fire crews and local fire departments remain on alert for initial attack responses. Agencies continue to monitor weather patterns and fuel conditions to allocate resources effectively across the state's most vulnerable regions.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Wisconsin DNR WisBURN (Burn Restrictions & Fire Danger): apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn
Wisconsin DNR Forestry & Fire: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ForestFire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.