MADISON (NBC 26) — Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday that declares a state of emergency due to elevated wildfire conditions.
This comes after the Wisconsin DNR warned of very high fire danger risk across the state over the weekend.
A statement from the Governor's office said the DNR has requested wildfire suppression support from the Wisconsin National Guard due to elevated fire danger across the state. The Governor's office said the new declaration will assist the state in rapidly mobilizing the Army National Guard’s Blackhawk helicopters to the areas of the state in most need of aerial fire suppression resources.
There have already been more than 320 wildfires reported in Wisconsin so far this year, the Governor's office says, burning over 1,400 acres. Fire officials anticipate a slightly longer than average fire season due to early snow melting around the state.
The National Weather Service indicates weather conditions conducive to wildfires are possible, including gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.
