07-24-2007, 02:10 AM
In June, Morrison, Todd, Benton, Mille Lacs, and Stearns counties have received significantly less than average rainfall.
As a result, the danger of wildfire has increased, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Along with the danger of large wildfires, the drying of normally wet areas has lead to the increased chances of peat fires, which are difficult and costly to contain and extinguish.
The DNR advises farmers to take extra precautions when haying. Having a wet burlap bag and a pail of water in the tractor can save the costly bill of fire suppression.
Farmers also should be careful when haying ground that normally is wet.
These areas usually contain peat, and with the lack of rainfall, will be dry. To date, there have been three wildfires in Morrison County caused by hay baling. In these fires, two pieces of equipment and numerous hay bales were lost. Fireworks have also caused fires in Mille Lacs and Benton counties.
As of July 9, burning restrictions took effect for all of Morrison, Benton, Mille Lacs, Todd, and Stearns counties. Burning permits will be issued for economic hardships only.
To the north, Crow Wing and the southern part of Cass County also have burning restrictions in effect. The Deer River DNR Forestry area also has burning restrictions in effect. This area includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Deer River and Effie. Burning restrictions will be in effect until significant long-term precipitation is received.
The burning restrictions do not restrict the use of recreational fires. A recreational fire by Minnesota Statute is a fire no larger than three-feet in diameter, cleared of combustible materials within five-feet, burning clean, vegetative materials, and used for recreation, cooking, or warming.<br />
Make sure to check the fire to ensure that it is truly out, as the hot ashes can holdover for days or weeks.
With just a few extra safety precautions, most wildfires can be prevented.
As a result, the danger of wildfire has increased, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Along with the danger of large wildfires, the drying of normally wet areas has lead to the increased chances of peat fires, which are difficult and costly to contain and extinguish.
The DNR advises farmers to take extra precautions when haying. Having a wet burlap bag and a pail of water in the tractor can save the costly bill of fire suppression.
Farmers also should be careful when haying ground that normally is wet.
These areas usually contain peat, and with the lack of rainfall, will be dry. To date, there have been three wildfires in Morrison County caused by hay baling. In these fires, two pieces of equipment and numerous hay bales were lost. Fireworks have also caused fires in Mille Lacs and Benton counties.
As of July 9, burning restrictions took effect for all of Morrison, Benton, Mille Lacs, Todd, and Stearns counties. Burning permits will be issued for economic hardships only.
To the north, Crow Wing and the southern part of Cass County also have burning restrictions in effect. The Deer River DNR Forestry area also has burning restrictions in effect. This area includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Deer River and Effie. Burning restrictions will be in effect until significant long-term precipitation is received.
The burning restrictions do not restrict the use of recreational fires. A recreational fire by Minnesota Statute is a fire no larger than three-feet in diameter, cleared of combustible materials within five-feet, burning clean, vegetative materials, and used for recreation, cooking, or warming.<br />
Make sure to check the fire to ensure that it is truly out, as the hot ashes can holdover for days or weeks.
With just a few extra safety precautions, most wildfires can be prevented.