Boulder Jct Fire Department

05/17/2026

Fire Danger Update

Vilas County is currently listed as LOW!

05/15/2026

🔥🔥EXTREME FIRE DANGER🔥🔥

NO BURNING

BURN PERMITS SUSPENDED

Per WISBURN Vilas County has an EXTREME FIRE DANGER.

A fire danger of EXTREME means wildfires start easily, spread furiously, burn intensely and are very difficult to control.

Fire danger ratings describe the potential for a fire to start and spread and the intensity at which a fire will burn in the wildland. The ratings are based on weather, fuels and changes in the general landscape. They bring awareness of the current fire situation and encourage the public to adapt how and when to burn. Fire danger levels aid in determining the daily DNR burn restrictions.

05/14/2026

🔥 RED FLAG WARNING🔥

Please avoid any outdoor burning!!

Below is a message from the WI DNR about our current fire danger.

We're asking the public to avoid outdoor burning activities, as fire danger has reached Critical levels across Northern and Western Wisconsin Thursday, May 14 through the evening of Saturday, May 16.

In conjunction with the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning is forecast for Friday, May 15 from noon to 9 p.m. in the following counties: Douglas, Bayfield, Washburn, Burnett, Sawyer, Ashland, Iron, Rusk, Barron, Polk and Vilas.

As of Thursday, May 14, DNR burning permits are suspended in 31 counties. Additional suspensions are possible with worsening conditions forecast heading into the weekend. Find updated information on DNR burning permit suspensions on the DNR's WisBurn tool: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/BurnRestrictions

Fire risk is increased by ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warming temperatures and gusty winds forecast heading into the weekend, with Very High fire danger anticipated in areas where vegetation has not fully greened up.

Wisconsin's fire season is currently at its annual peak, as pine trees in areas with sandy soils are extremely vulnerable to "crown fires," wherein flames move from the ground to the tree tops and spread with intensity. Recent rains have not minimized wildfire concerns, as grasses, pine needles and leaf litter can dry out in just a few days between precipitation events, creating hazardous conditions.

As elevated fire risks persist, the DNR will continue to suspend all DNR-issued burn permits for debris piles and broadcast burning until widespread rain occurs. The DNR has responded to nearly 500 wildfires thus far in 2026, with 45% of those caused by debris burning.

Embers from any recent fires, especially burn piles and campfires, can easily get out of control and cause a wildfire if not properly extinguished. Please avoid all burning in areas of concern, including warming or cooking fires, until conditions improve.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also be extra careful with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. With dry weather conditions across much of the state, fires can spark at any time.
Follow these simple tips to prevent wildfires from getting out of control:

– Avoid outdoor burning, including campfires, until conditions improve.
– Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
– Secure dragging trailer chains.
– Report fires early and call 911.

Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on our website at https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/

05/05/2026

Thank you to all of the amazing firefighters that are apart of Boulder Jct Fire Department and all of the departments that we work together with!

04/23/2026

🔥We are still at HIGH for fire danger. 🔥

All of the counties around us are listed at VERY HIGH.

Please do not have any kind of fire burning today as burning permits are still suspended.

04/22/2026

Vilas County currently has a HIGH fire danger warning.

Per the WI DNR all burn permits have been suspended.

04/03/2026

An update on our next round of storms for tonight and tomorrow morning!

Stay safe!

03/15/2026

❄️Blizzard Warning ❄️

A Blizzard Warning is in effect from 10 AM Sunday until 4 PM Monday.

Expected Conditions:
• 20–30 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible
• Wind gusts up to 50 mph
• Significant blowing and drifting snow creating blizzard conditions

‼️Travel should be limited to emergencies only. Emergency services may be delayed due to severe weather conditions.‼️

Questions if in need of a warming center please contact Assistant Fire Chief Josh Thompson at 715-605-5674 or Boulder Junction Town Chairman Dennis Reuss 262-993-1857, Town Supervisor Laura Bertch 715-892-1204 or Town Supervisor Dylan Schutt 717-798-1283.

‼️Please plan ahead, stay home and be safe.‼️

12/26/2025

Merry Christmas!!!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!!