Spring Wildfire Danger in Anoka County—This was TOO Close for Comfort!

Yesterday was a beautiful, almost spring weather day. Strong winds were blowing the cold air out and there was a promise of spring weather around the corner for later in the week. Those of use who live in Anoka County near wetlands and prairies realize the windy spring weather has some drawbacks. The winter has left grass dry and dormant. One lit cigarette or untended bonfire can spark a huge wildfire. The Minnesota DNR always has spring fire restrictions and we are always aware of them until that first spring rain. DNR Spring Fire Restrictions.

In the morning we were concerned to hear that a few fires had broken out along Lexington Avenue from Blaine to Ham Lake. Usually along the road the fires are started by carelessly tossed cigarettes but several within an hour along the same stretch of road was suspicious. The fires were contained but when they mention Carlos Avery and fire, I don’t like it at all. We live near the Carlos Avery Preserve. It is a huge area that stretches from Lino Lakes to Wyoming. I know of several homes that abut the preserve and so fires in the area are very scary….Especially on a windy day.

So as I headed down my road a few miles away late yesterday afternoon, imagine my concern as I saw smoke across the sod field in the Carlos Avery area. My commute takes me on Broadway Avenue, a main thoroughfare that bisects the preserve in Columbus. As I travelled east, I knew the danger had not past. The south side was ablaze.





It was frightening. I snapped a few pictures as I approached but figured the deputy directing traffic would frown upon by distracted driving so didn’t get any as I went by the area where the fire was so close I could feel it heat up the inside of the car. I also resisted the impulse to pull over for additional pictures as so many others had.








Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable; winds change.
It was a scary afternoon. We were diverted on our way home about 10 miles south to Lino Lakes on our return trip. The fire spread. 1500 total acres burned. Friends we know were being evacuated. The smoke filled the air. Fortunately the wildfire was contained without losses of homes or lives. But the scars will remain.




As I commuted down Broadway this morning, the scorched land was still smoldering. A Forest Lake firefighter was arrested in connection with starting the blaze at around 1pm in the ditch along Broadway. The story becomes even stranger when it is revealed that he was a former business owner, award winning volunteer fire fighter, coach. What goes through someone’s mind when they put so many others at risk?
Spring fire restrictions in place for a reason. Heed the warnings.

Fire Facts

• 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.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Minnesota Fire Restrictions Blew In with the Wind!

Yesterday, spring blew into Anoka County quite literally. As I noticed the flags flying and trees bending, I also noted how dry last year’s grass is. This is normal every occurrence in Minnesota. Dry grass is a huge fire hazard until spring rains green up lawns. Take time to notice the Smokey Bear signs by the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve in Columbus and Linwood. The Minnesota DNR has replaced the winter “Drive Safely” sign to either a green, blue, yellow, orange and red fire danger warning signs too! Yesterday I noted the blue “moderate” fire danger warning as I drove down Broadway from Forest Lake. Grass fire season is here and 2008 has the potential to be very active. We are still in a bit of a drought.

With the brisk spring breezes here, spring burning restrictions are in effect in various counties throughout the state of Minnesota. The restrictions went into effect on April 14th and include Anoka County. After a very long winter with lower than average snow, they are necessary. CLICK HERE for DNR 4/14/08 press release.

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 the minds of many Anoka and Chisago County residents.

Fires start most often in this windy weather from sparks from trains, careless smokers and backyard fire pits. Be cautious and as Smokey says, “Only YOU can Prevent Forest Fires.” Acreage homes often butt up against the forests and wetlands. It is very important to be careful and aware of the fire danger in your community and your own back yard to protect your property.

Fire Facts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

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


• Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during this period.


• 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.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/