Wisconsin DNR Fire Protection Areas and Wildfire Rules

Wis. Stat. § 26.11 and § 26.12 establish DNR jurisdiction over forest fire protection across roughly 18 million acres in northern and central Wisconsin known as the DNR Protection Area. The DNR sets daily fire danger levels (low to extreme) and may suspend or revoke burning permits, restrict campfires, and prohibit equipment use that creates sparks during high or very high danger. Outside the Protection Area, in Cooperative Areas, local fire departments lead suppression but DNR rules on permit issuance and ignition restrictions still apply. The DNR may seek reimbursement from any person who negligently or unlawfully ignites a wildfire under Wis. Stat. § 26.21.

Igniting a wildfire through negligence creates strict liability for suppression costs plus forfeitures or misdemeanor penalties under Wis. Stat. § 26.20 and § 26.21.