Drone view of wildfire smoke from Canada over downtown Milwaukee
A blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into downtown Milwaukee. It’s expected to move back north on Aug. 1.
Wisconsin is having fewer wildfires now than in past years, and officials say it’s because residents are being smarter and safer.
More than 700 acres of Wisconsin have been burned in 300 wildfires so far in 2026, according to the state’s wildfire dashboard. That’s 20 fewer wildfires burning about 400 fewer acres when compared to the state’s 10-year average by this time of year.
Catherine Koele, a wildfire prevention specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said it’s a common misconception that Wisconsin doesn’t have many wildfires – people usually think of California when they think of wildfires.
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But wildfires do happen in Wisconsin. In the past 10 years, the state has averaged about 900 wildfires burning nearly 2,000 acres annually, state data shows. Just this week, a red flag warning was issued for Burnett and Washburn counties in northwestern Wisconsin. A red flag warning is issued when factors combine to create especially dangerous wildfire conditions.
“Fires do happen here and more often than people think,” Koele told the Journal Sentinel. “The biggest difference is that 98% of our fires are caused by people.”
Why has Wisconsin seen fewer wildfires so far this year?
In the western United States, wildfire season usually lasts from summer to early fall. But that part of the country has different vegetation, and fires are often started by lightning and bolstered by strong winds, Koele said.
A third of Wisconsin’s wildfires are caused by burning debris, like landowners burning yard waste and losing control of the flames. Koele said the situation has improved somewhat thanks to more citizen reporting and improved technology.
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She explained that people are more aware of times when conditions are especially prone to wildfires, including in early spring, after the snow melts but no rain has fallen yet, meaning grass, leaves and pine needles are dry. While climate change has brought more rain to Wisconsin, it’s also sporadic, she said. Mild winters also extend the peak danger season for wildfires.
Koele said there are also proactive steps people can take to prevent wildfires.
How can I prevent wildfires?
It’s important to know what burn restrictions are in place and to get a burn permit. Composting, recycling or chipping wood debris before burning is also important, Koele said.
She also echoed sentiments from Smokey Bear:
- Drown and stir campfires. Repeat this process until the embers are cold
- Don’t use fireworks or hot equipment on dry or grassy areas
- Never leave a fire unattended
Koele said wildfire prevention “reduces stress on wildlife, protects the aesthetic beauty of our forests and reduces the cost of firefighting efforts and economic losses associated with property damage, timber loss and large-scale evacuations.”
