Southeast Wisconsin 'red flag warning' Wednesday; state of emergency declared

MILWAUKEE - The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for all of southeast Wisconsin from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency in response to the elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. 

The warning means conditions are favorable for forest fires. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Caution is advised with any outdoor fires or when using any equipment that may cause sparks.

"Protecting Wisconsinites from the destructive danger of wildfire is a top priority. Although northern Wisconsin still has considerable snow cover, the danger is extreme across much of the state today," said Evers. "This executive order will give the Department of Natural Resources the ability to have all available resources ready to be quickly dispatched at critical moments to keep fires small and minimize damage."

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The Wisconsin DNR also requested wildfire suppression support from the Wisconsin National Guard due to elevated fire danger across much of the state. The benefit of the executive order will support challenges associated with ongoing statewide wildfire danger and widespread need to enhance suppression capability and protect Wisconsinites.

Lake Country Fire & Rescue in Delafield said Wednesday's conditions – high wind, warm temperatures and dry grass – can be a recipe for an uncontrollable blaze. A small fire started with one match could set a whole wooded area ablaze within minutes, officials said.

"It's the perfect storm for a fire to start," said Matthew Haerter, Lake Country assistant fire chief. "Often it’s underestimated how fast fires spread."

In addition to Evers' state of emergency, Lake Country Fire & Rescue put a burn ban in place for seven Waukesha County communities. It applies to all outdoor burning activities – including grilling, lighting of fireworks and putting out cigarettes.

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"It would certainly not be a good day to burn," said resident Lynne Olsen. "I don’t even think it’s safe even when it’s not windy to leave a fire going."

When Olsen heard about the burn ban, she took the day off.  

Lake Country Fire & Rescue grass rig for combatting wildfire

"I figured my daffodils are coming up, so it’s time to get the last of the Christmas decorations down," she said.

The fire department had one of its grass rigs – fire trucks that go off-road – out in full force. Officials hope neighbors will follow in Olsen's footsteps, so they don't have to give out citations.

"We don’t have to have a loss of property, loss of the environment and perhaps a loss of life," Haerter said.