DNR firefighters have been mobilized to help fight wildfires across the western U.S. and Canada. (Photo courtesy of Wisconsin DNR)
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin DNR firefighters are heading to the western U.S. and Canada to help fight wildfires.
Nearly 70 active large-scale wildfires are burning over a million acres in the U.S. alone. Much of this wildfire activity is occurring in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and California and is related to dry lightning strikes in dense wooded areas with remote access.
The Wisconsin firefighters and engines are slated to be on assignment for two weeks or until the fire severity subsides. The DNR anticipates additional mobilizations over the coming weeks as the western fire situation increases and local resources are depleted.
Three wildland fire engines are currently stationed in Oregon, as part of a larger task force responding to various longer-duration fires, allowing local resources to focus on responding to emerging fires. Six DNR staff are in northern Manitoba, serving in overhead support roles as well as a few assigned to a multi-state agency hand crew. Another DNR engine is responding to fires in northern California.
A newly formalized and nationally accredited Wisconsin DNR Incident Management Team (IMT Type 3) is also on standby for western fire support. The team has 10 positions and can be mobilized to assist a local agency.
Wisconsin has mobilized more than 65 firefighters to out-of-state fire assignments so far in 2025. DNR staff were mobilized to 12 different states and provinces, including 20 individuals supporting the ongoing suppression efforts in Canada.
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