DNR Burning Restrictions
With the changes to the DNR burning permit system that took effect in 2008, more responsibility is placed on the individual choosing to burn. Individuals wanting to burn must have a written annual burning permit any time of the year the ground is not completely snow covered.
It is also the individual's responsibility to check the daily burning restrictions on any given day they would like to burn by checking the internet site http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire/fire_danger/Wis_Burn/StateCounties.asp or calling the toll free phone number 888-WIS-BURN (947-2876). Either method will require choosing the county where the burning will be occurring (for the phone system Wood County is "72").
You are strongly encouraged to stay informed of the DNR's burning restrictions, specifically in the spring and other extended dry periods throughout the year. This would be important if your municipality (ies) that are outside the DNR Forest Fire Protection Area* change the burning restrictions to mirror the DNR's burning permit restrictions.
*In Wood County the DNR Forest Fire Protection Area includes the townships of Grand Rapids (east of 32nd Street), Saratoga, Seneca, Cranmoor, Port Edwards, Remington, Dexter, Hiles, and Cary. Remember that if burning is restricted or cancelled in the Protection Area it is also that dry and dangerous to burn in other parts of our area.
Please remember the DNR burning permit system only applies to the townships within the DNR Forest Fire Protection Area, unless other municipalities have ordinances in place to mirror the DNR's burning restrictions. Municipalities (townships and all cities/villages) outside the DNR Forest Fire Protection Area have a myriad of options regarding the restricting of open burning. Please check with your local Officials regarding restrictions in your area.
This information is from Forest Ranger Brian Luebke
Address/Location
Wood County Dispatch Center
400 Market St
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 715-421-8701
Kelly Zenz
Wood County
[email protected]
715-421-8668