MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) - Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are asking the public to check the fire danger conditions before starting any outdoor burning. Official’s Den burglarized, Calumet County Sheriff’s Office investigating According to a release from the DNR, fire danger conditions are expected to increase as dry weather, gusty winds and minimal chances of precipitation ahead of a strong cold front are in the forecast for the week throughout the state. Officials say dry vegetation from a lack of rainfall can be more susceptible to carrying a wildfire and with fire danger increasing, they have started staffing fire equipment in the northern half of the state. Wildfires can happen any time of the year when the ground is not completely snow-covered. Areas are especially vulnerable in the early spring and again in the fall after the leaves have fallen from the trees and the plants and grasses go dormant in preparation for winter. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The main cause of wildfires this time of year is reported to be burning bush and leaf piles as well as debris burning. Also contributing to wildfires are sparks from recreational equipment, campfires, and hot ashes from fireplaces. Oshkosh Police Department identifies two suspects in connection to vandalism incident at South Park Officials state that smoldering embers can remain hot for a number of days, even weeks, and all ashes should be emptied into metal containers before being dumped onto bare soil then drowned in water and stirred until completely cold. The DNR says that increased fire danger will remain until there is significant rainfall. Current fire danger conditions can be checked here.