Bad River Fire Department

05/31/2026

Come join us as our new engine arrives in the community!

05/16/2026

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon through Monday. Main hazards will be large hail and damaging winds, but isolated tornadoes and minor flooding are also possible. Chances for tornadoes will be most likely in a narrow time window on Monday. Stay tuned for more forecast details!

05/16/2026

Dry conditions continue today to create near critical fire weather conditions. Any fires could spread quickly in these conditions. Check for burn bans and report fires to the authorities.

05/15/2026

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/ #/

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

The Bad River Fire Dept would like to thank Andy Maday for the generous donation of a Dewalt battery powered chainsaw. This chainsaws will be a useful addition to our wildland fire truck.

In the picture Andy Maday is presenting the chainsaw to Fire Captain Jody Bressette.

05/13/2026

Critical fire weather conditions are possible Friday afternoon and evening across portions of the north central and northeast MN and northwest WI. Minimum RH values could be as low as 15%, with west winds gusting to 35 mph.

05/10/2026

04/23/2026

Tonight at 8:21pm, we were called to a shed on fire with 12 foot flames. Bad River Fire Department arrived with an engine and 6 personnel. The fire was extinguished within 30 mins from the time of being paged.

Mutual aid was requested from Saxon/Gurney Fire Dept and WIDNR fire crews.

Also helping on scene was Ashland Ambulance and Ashland County Sheriff’s Dept. as always a huge thank you to our Ashland/Bayfield County Communications Center!

No injuries were reported and only the shed was lost.