A Smokey Bear sighting in Oneida County this week.   This highly recognizable symbol of fire prevention has finally awakened from hibernation, just in time for ‘Wildfire Prevention Week,’ April 15-21.   Spring is Wisconsin’s peak season for wildfires.  Warm, windy and dry conditions have resulted in over 160 wildfires in the southern half of the state this year, as the snow-melt is slowly progressing to the north.  Don’t worry. Smokey is very approachable, friendly and loves to give bear hugs.  Do your part to help Smokey by getting a free DNR burning permit and making sure those fires are out before you leave.  http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/index.asp