For the past century the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued hand-written burning permits to landowners.

"The DNR burning permits had pretty much been the same since the 1920s when we started the program," says Brule Forester Ranger Nicky Martin.

That has meant a new hand-written permit every time they wanted to burn.

Now Wisconsin officials are moving into the 21st century issuing computer generated permits that will cover you for a year.

"There were some fire wardens who would write out hundreds of permits in spans of weeks to a month," says Martin.

It's still just as important to get permission before you burn however. You must call or check the DNRs website after 11 in the morning to make sure it's safe.

"We will cancel permits if the weather conditions warrant it or change the hours if necessary," says Martin.

Debris burning or human origin fires are the number one cause of forest fires in Wisconsin.

If your personal fire escapes it could be extremely expensive for you. Origins of forest, brush or grass fires will be tracked and if an individual is found to be responsible then that person must pay for the costs associated with fighting the blaze and is also liable for any damages the fire may have caused.

The new burning permit system was enacted on January first.

The DNR's website posts daily burning restrictions or you can call the DNR at 1-888-WIS-BURN.