Oconto, WI-- Red flag warnings are a yearly occurrence for Oconto County which is why county leaders have a plan in place to keep the community safe.
Getting the preplanned maps ready in case of disaster, "That helps us preplan all these areas that are more target hazards in our county,” said Tim Magnin, Oconto County Emergency Management Director.
The county adjusts the plan every five years. "We basically revise that entire booklet with all the water sources, where water sources are available, boat landings, fire hydrants," says Magnin.
Foresters at the Oconto Falls DNR ranger station were still on alert Monday, going through their check list in case of an emergency. "Making sure that we have plenty of water, materials to fight fires with," said Forest Ranger Chris Duncan.
Monday was particularly dangerous due to low humidity, warm temperatures and a strong southerly wind. Northern counties have been dry as well receiving little precipitation so far this spring. "Everything is dry and crunchy out there right now. If a fire does start today, it does have the potential to become a big fire," says Duncan.
The red flag warning expires Monday at 8:00pm, but people are advised to maintain camp fires and to keep yards clean in an effort to stop the spread of a fire.
Burning restrictions are in place until 8:00 pm Monday. Click here for more information on burning restrictions. i
