WISCONSIN — Much of the Badger State faces an increased risk of fires right now.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), so far this year, there have been 481 wildfires. That's more than double the 10-year average to date. 

What You Need To Know

  • According to the DNR, so far this year there have been 481 wildfires in Wisconsin 

  • That's more than twice the 10-year average of 235 to date

  • The number of acres burned is also more than double the 10-year average

  • The DNR continues to suspend burn permits in 24 counties where the agency has burn-restriction authority

DNR forest ranger Garrett Lubbers said much of sourthern Wisconsin is still consider to be at a "very high" risk of fire danger, as is northeastern Wisconsin. The rest of the state is considered to be at "moderate" risk of fire danger.

"Conditions are really dry out there," Lubbers pointed out. "The past couple days, we've had a lack of precipitation, very windy conditions and that fine fuel. The leaf litter, the grass that's just been drying out substantially the last week."

The number of acres burned right now in Wisconsin is more than double the 10-year average. The DNR continues to suspend burn permits in 24 counties, where the agency has burn-restriction authority.

Watch the full interview above.