Wisconsin Faces Unprecedented Wildfire Incidents Amid Climate Concerns
Amidst a backdrop of shrinking snow cover and shifting climate patterns, Wisconsin has recorded an unprecedented number of wildfires in the early months of this year. The state, typically witnessing its fire season in spring, is grappling with blazes earlier than ever, highlighting a growing concern among environmental scientists and state officials.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the state usually experiences an average of 864 wildfires annually, burning approximately 1,800 acres. However, Jim Bernier, the DNR’s forest fire section manager, noted that the 10-year average is showing an upward trend each year. Wisconsin Public Radio shared Bernier’s insights, emphasizing the impact of climate change on fire patterns.
Bernier highlighted that recent drought conditions, intensified by climate change, have extended the fire season beyond its typical months. “With these droughty conditions that we’re experiencing, we’re seeing these fire staffing needs occurring more and more all year round,” Bernier remarked, marking this year as a record start for fires occurring in January and February.
As of the latest count, more than 470 fires have erupted, doubling the average for this period, with over 1,900 acres already scorched. The majority of these fires have been ignited by people burning debris, prompting the DNR to suspend burn permits in 24 counties under high fire risk conditions.
According to a report by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, the state is becoming increasingly prone to wildfires. This is due to rapid vegetation drying linked to reduced snowfall. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office reported below-normal precipitation, marking this winter as the 18th driest on record.
Residential Areas Increasingly Vulnerable to Wildfires
With more homes being developed in forested areas, the risk of wildfires affecting residential properties has grown. Bill Smith, chair of the Natural Resources Board, pointed out the trend of increased development in these areas. Volker Radeloff, a professor of forest and wildlife ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, stated that approximately 10 percent of the state is at risk due to the intersection of urban and wild land areas.
Research from UW-Madison indicates a rise in such areas by 33.6 percent since 1990, reaching nearly 586,000 homes. While this doesn’t necessarily mean these homes will catch fire, Radeloff suggests that it raises the likelihood of fires started by human activity. “Homeowners can do a lot to increase the chance that their home will survive,” he advised, recommending measures like keeping flammable vegetation away from houses and using fire-resistant materials.
Despite the risks, the state manages to save a significant number of structures annually, losing about 50 homes each year but saving nearly ten times that number.
The 750-acre Big Island Fire in Green Lake County, pictured from above. (Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR)
Prolonged Drought Expected to Extend Fire Season
In March, the Big Island Fire in Green Lake County consumed over 800 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Wisconsin so far this year. Fortunately, it resulted in no injuries or structural damage. Radeloff emphasized the importance of community education and creating fire breaks to mitigate risks.
The U.S. Drought Monitor currently indicates that nearly half of Wisconsin faces abnormally dry conditions. Bernier anticipates these dry conditions to persist, advising residents to prepare for an extended fire season. “We have to mentally prepare ourselves that … we’re in it for a long haul,” he stated.
To combat the growing threat, around 600 DNR staff members are trained in wildland fire management, ready to tackle both firefighting and incident management duties.
Original Story at www.greatlakesnow.org