Walker in NW Wis. for wildfire-suppression plans

SIREN, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker has reviewed fire-suppression plans in northwestern Wisconsin, in an area where a severe storm last year toppled thousands of trees and created a serious fire hazard.

Walker was in Burnett County on Thursday afternoon, April 5th. The visit included local officials demonstrating their ability to scramble aircraft that can drop 800 gallons of water or fire retardant on a fire.

A powerful wind storm last July toppled trees in six northwestern counties. And with temperatures above average this year, the potential for a wildfire is high.

A burn ban in portions of southwestern Douglas, northwestern Washburn, northern Burnett and northwestern Polk counties begins Friday. That means people won't be allowed to build campfires, smoke outside or light fireworks.