The prolonged drought conditions across much of the northern half of the state have dried out these normally moist soils. Once the peat soils dry out, they can hide a smoldering fire, underground, for days or even weeks and when conditions are right, the fire can flare up into a blaze. In some cases fire fighting crews have to remain on a site for days working to put out these stubborn fires. In the 1976 season snow closed the general fire season in early November but peat fires persisted into February of 1997. Roberts and fire prevention officials across the state urge hunters heading into the woods to be extra careful with campfires and with trucks, cars or all-terrain vehicles.
Grasses are very dry and hot exhausts can easily touch off a blaze.
The best advice is to walk or stay on cleared roads and avoid parking a vehicle over grass. Anyone spotting a forest fire should call 911. Rapid reporting is the best tool for dealing with a fire. Fire suppression is usually a cooperative effort involving local fire departments and DNR crews. The state Natural Resources Board unanimously endorsed an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution supporting an individual s right to keep and bear arms at its September meeting in Alma.