DNR: Critical risk for wildfires across Wisconsin this weekend

 

(CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning the public about a critical wildfire risk across the state this weekend.

On Friday, May 8, every county in the state was under a 'very high' or 'high' risk.

DNR leaders said a few of the reasons why the fire danger is so high is because of the recent humidity, wind, temperature and rain levels. The DNR has suspended all burn permits until further notice.

Authorities said DNR crews are ready to respond across the state, but are asking everyone to be extra cautious and conscious of what they do this weekend because 98 percent of wildfires are caused by people.

"This next couple 24-72 hour period is going to be very critical to try to prevent a large scale catastrophic fire in Wisconsin," DNR Fire suppression specialist Eric Martin. "We're just asking for everybody's help with that."

The DNR says if you see a fire, call 911 immediately and don't try to put it out.

More information and the latest fire danger levels can be found on the DNR's website.