Warm, dry, windy weather sparking wildfires across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin natural resources officials say the danger of a wildfire igniting is high to extreme in much of the state due to warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.

The Department of Natural Resources responded to 43 wildfires Sunday, including two larger fires in steep terrain in central Wisconsin's Clark County. The agency contracted tanker planes to dose the fires that burned a total of about 125 acres in two locations. No injuries were reported and no structures were lost.

The DNR issued a 'red flag' warning Monday for seven counties where burning with agency-issued permits is prohibited and the public is asked to be especially careful with campfires, outdoor grills, smoking and other activities that could spark a wildfire.

Those counties include Jackson, Trempealeau, Juneau, Monroe, Clark, La Crosse and Adams.

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- Warm, dry, windy weather is creating prime conditions for wildfires across Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says Sunday is the busiest day of the fire season to date. By late afternoon, 35 wildfires were reported.

The fires are breaking out statewide, but are mostly small and contained. Air tankers are making drops to slow the spread of fires, allowing ground crews to work the edges.

A red flag warning was out until 7 p.m. Sunday for counties in western Wisconsin. DNR officials are asking the public to be careful with campfires, outdoor grills and smoking that could throw off a spark and ignite a fire.

The DNR responded to 25 wildfires on Saturday, mostly caused by debris burning.

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