Abnormal winter temperatures and lack of precipitation are likely causes of the Jan. 21 forest fires that burned 30 acres of Nine Springs E-Way, a portion of Capital Springs Centennial State Park.
According to Lt. Jim Roberts of the Fire Investigation Unit for the City of Madison Fire Department, a large grassfire burned both marsh areas and prairie grass just south of the Highland Manor Trailer Park.
The Madison Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources park manager were at the scene to extinguish and investigate the fire.
Indian packs and the fire department’s brush rig were used to exterminate the blaze.
The crew found fireworks in the area, but there was not substantial evidence to identify them as the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.
Roberts said dry weather had caused brushfires across the state this winter.
“This winter and spring have been abnormally dry. That, accompanied with the windy conditions of the day, are likely contributors to the cause of this incident,” Roberts said. “Even with burning permits, people need to be extra careful. Such things as discarded smoking materials pose danger when they usually wouldn’t.”
Roberts added that this winter’s lack of snow left the leaves in the woods and the grass not packed down, which causes fires to move quickly, burning large areas of land in little time.
Dry conditions tend to increase the risks and incidences of forest fires in the spring, though this year has been dry all year round.
“This is highly unusual for this time of year because typically the ground is now covered,” said DNR forest ranger Ralph Sheffer. “Extra care needs to be taken when burning, due to this year’s abnormal conditions.”
This year, fire incidences are up considerably in comparison to average years. According to Roberts, however, the numbers are not any higher than other years with the same conditions.
Roberts said there were limited things the DNR could have done to prevent such brush fires in a drought year.
“The whole department prays for rain every day,” Roberts joked.
While Roberts said there is not much officials can do as prevention, some steps can be taken to lessen the risk of forest fires.
Many people do not realize the consequences of burning debris without permits. There is a civil forfeiture fine of $138.20 if caught without a permit and then additional suppression costs in the event that the fire gets out of control.
Permits are free and can be picked up at any local DNR office. They restrict burning to between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. The permits are good for five days. The daytime period for which permits are available is the safest time to burn because usually temperatures and wind speeds drop as the humidity increases.
DNR officials stress the importance of tending to fires in order to prevent them from burning out of control.
