ST PAUL, Minn. — It doesn't make a ton of sense considering the late snow and significant rain that has fallen this Spring, but conditions are currently favorable for wildfires in many parts of Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says even though the ground might be wet, "the reality is grass, leaves, and pine needles dry surprisingly fast and become ideal fuel for a fire,” explains Casey McCoy, the DNR’s fire prevention specialist.
Until foliage greens up, McCoy urges people not to burn debris piles. The DNR maintains that fire and ash from escaped debris fires cause four of every 10 Minnesota wildfires each year. Due to current conditions, the DNR has issued burning restrictions in 44 counties. Always check the DNR’s statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions web page before burning.
If a debris fire or any other fire gets out of control, residents are urged to call 911 immediately. Grass fires can move deceptively fast, change direction suddenly, and be a challenge to extinguish. Trained firefighting professionals would rather be called in to put out a fire safely than have someone get hurt or lose their life trying to extinguish it themselves.
DNR fire experts say prevention is key. People planning to start a campfire this spring should:
- Keep flammable material 3 feet away from the fire.
- Attend to the campfire at all times.
- Have a handy source of water ready.
- Stir the ashes and make certain the campfire is completely out before leaving.
For more information on wildfire prevention, check out the DNR website.
