Madison Reporter

Firefighters from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have been deployed to multiple locations across the western United States and Canada in response to increased wildfire activity this season. According to a statement released by the DNR, staff members are currently engaged in suppression and protection efforts as part of coordinated national and international responses.

So far in 2025, Wisconsin has sent personnel and equipment on more than 65 out-of-state fire assignments. These assignments have involved deployments to 12 different states and provinces, with 20 individuals currently supporting ongoing firefighting operations in Canada. Three wildland fire engines from Wisconsin are stationed in Oregon as part of a larger task force addressing several long-duration fires, enabling local responders to address new outbreaks as they arise. In northern Manitoba, six DNR staff are serving in overhead support roles, while others participate in a multi-state agency hand crew. Additionally, one DNR engine is assigned to active fires in northern California.

The allocation of personnel and equipment is managed through mutual aid agreements established by federal firefighting agencies and the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact. The Compact includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Manitoba, and Ontario, and its purpose is to facilitate resource sharing within the region—covering personnel, equipment, information exchange, training initiatives, and technology transfers.

A newly formalized Wisconsin DNR Incident Management Team (IMT Type 3), which has achieved national accreditation, is also prepared for deployment to support western wildfire management efforts. This team consists of ten core positions and can assist local agencies by providing structured incident response strategies along with resource allocation and communication expertise.

"Requests for wildland fire support from other agencies are not uncommon. On average, the DNR sends an estimated 60 personnel and equipment annually to support out-of-state fire assignments across the U.S. and Canada. In the past, the DNR has also brought in out-of-state resources to help fight wildfires in Wisconsin during peak fire season," stated the department.

Resource sharing among federal and provincial agencies allows for more efficient use of available assets. The DNR highlighted that participation in these out-of-state assignments offers additional benefits such as enhanced training opportunities for staff members, leadership development experiences, and exposure to diverse firefighting conditions that contribute positively when applied back home.

Before sending resources outside state borders, the DNR reviews current priorities within Wisconsin. Due to recent widespread rainfall leading to green vegetation across much of the state—and consequently reduced wildfire risk—the department determined it could redirect focus toward assisting national wildfire containment efforts elsewhere.

Currently there are nearly 70 large-scale wildfires burning over a million acres throughout the United States. Most activity is concentrated in states like Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and California—often sparked by dry lightning strikes impacting densely wooded areas with limited access.

"The Wisconsin firefighters and engines are slated to be on assignment for two weeks or until the fire severity subsides. Several more Wisconsin resources have been made available and could be assigned to fires in the coming weeks. The DNR anticipates additional mobilizations over the coming weeks as the western fire situation increases and local resources are depleted," according to department officials.

The situation remains dynamic as conditions evolve across affected regions.