It's Spring! Minnesota Wildfire Season has Sprung too!

 
Living on acreage whether open plain, prairie or wooded can be peaceful most of the year. But springtime can bring some unwanted action  Our limited snowfall and lack of spring rains so far has put all of Minnesota in a state of drought. This is not a good situation for our first day of spring in the north and east Twin Cities metro.

Wildfire Near Carlos Avery Wolf Sanctuary

Those gusty winds that are perfect for flying kites are not so great when a spark from a train (or carelessly tossed cigarette) hits the dry grass and flames spread like wildfire. Acres can burn before these fires can be brought under control. There are no fire hydrants on every corner in most of the third ring suburbs. Water has to be trucked or flown in to fight the fires. The Department of Natural Resources reminds all Minnesotans to be mindful of fire dangers in the spring.

Controlled Burn in Carlos Avery

Over the years living in Anoka County, I have had the opportunity to witness an out of control wildfire near Carlos Avery as well as a controlled burn in the same area. It can be hard to tell the difference. Both create a lot of smoke but while the first is very frightening and chaotic, a controlled burn looks more ominous than it really is. 

Scheduling burning helps control dangers wildfires thus protecting homes in the long run. It eliminates the dried vegetation on days with low winds in a very controlled way.

Training has started for firefighting recruits and students in northern Minnesota. Training for a controlled burn is quite interesting. They have to keep the firefighters save while keeping the flames contained. Students and recruits were trained near Duluth last week. 


Want to learn more about Buying or Selling acreage in the north or east metro? Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. 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 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners!

Halloween Safety Tips!  

 Make your house Trick-Or-Treater Friendly!

Halloween is an exciting holiday for kids of all ages. It is FUN to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door in search of the best treats in the neighborhood.

Whether you are in a development full of little ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses or you only have a few costumed visitors, you’ll want to be sure your yard and front steps are safe and welcoming. Plan ahead to prevent unfortunate accidents that could ruin a festive evening.

Here are a few pointers to keep your home a safe place for trick-or-treaters on October 31st!

Keep Pets in Check. Dogs, cats, and other furry family members can be agitated when oddly dressed strangers approach the front door. Make sure your pet is in a safe and comfortable place away from costumed visitors.
Keep Walkway and Steps Clean and Clear. Pack away the toys, rakes and other yard tools, hoses and rake the leaves. Make sure the path to your front door is free of potential hazards like electrical cords and pumpkins.too.
Keep it Lit!. Spooky is fun but if it is too dark, it could be dangerous. Make sure the path to your candy bowl is well-lit. 


I hope your family has a frightfully fun-filled, but very safe Halloween with no tricks but many, many treats!

Looking to Buy or Sell a Home?  If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. 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 2014 www.terieckholm.com