Saturday, March 24, 2007

Spring Fire Restrictions in Minnesota

Spring is in the air! The signs are all around us and not just the budding trees and spring tulips peeking out from the ground. The Smokey Bear sign at the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve has changed it’s winter “Drive Safely” sign to the blue, green, yellow, orange and red fire danger warning signs too! Grass fire season is here and 2007 has the potential to be very active. The drought predictions started in January when there was very little if any snow cover across the northern metro. Even with the two big March snow storms, we are at a major deficit for moisture in the area which leaves Minnesota vulnerable for grass fires.

Living near Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area, I won’t soon forget how quickly a small fire that was improperly extinguished turned into a major fire that burned for days and destroyed several homes in Linwood. The smoke in the air and blazing orange nighttime skyline is burned into many Anoka and Chisago County residents.

A few years back while my own house was under construction, the inattentive subcontractors lost control of a fire on what was soon to be my property. Thank goodness it was noticed and put out quickly with the assistance of several friends who were nearby.


Fire Facts According to a 3/21/2007 news release from the Minnesota DNR:






  • April and May are months when agencies respond to the highest number of wildfires.

  • Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in MN occur during April and May.
  • The burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota.
Open burning will be restricted in April and May, but even after the restrictions are removed remember to be vigilant when having that backyard bonfire. Also don’t discard cigarettes out of car windows.

It is no fun to watch the fire fighting water planes flying low over my home on their way to Coon Lake for another load, especially knowing that a friend or neighbor’s home could be in jeopardy. Help protect your home, neighborhood and community by being careful with fire.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

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