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

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/

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