William Glesener, DNR wildfire operations supervisor, says that many areas in northern Minnesota are 2 to 3 inches below average for spring rainfall despite the green-up of vegetation. This shortfall has dried out trees, shrubs and grasses in the region, and when combined with forecast conditions — temperatures near 100 degrees, low humidity and gusty winds — the result is an increased risk for wildfires.
“Don’t be fooled just because things look green,” Glesener said. “This is a dangerous time for wildfires.”
The DNR says a large part of fire prevention includes keeping campfires small and manageable, no more than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. Campers should always keep a hose or water nearby and drown the fire out and stir until it is cold. If a campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
According to the DNR, fireworks are not allowed on any state lands, including state forests and state parks. Hot mufflers on recreational vehicles or cars can also ignite tall grass while the vehicle is stopped and idling.
The DNR reminds everyone that a temporary flight restriction (TFR) may ban the use of drones within 5 miles of a wildland fire. Even without a TFR, drones pose a risk to aircraft.
Minnesota's wildland fire management agencies report that nearly 1,200 wildland fires have burned an estimated 33,500 acres since the beginning of March 2021. The dry conditions have been building since last fall, and many areas in northern Minnesota remain abnormally dry or in moderate drought.
Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Monitoring weather conditions, checking current fire danger conditions at the DNR statewide fire danger and burning restrictions map, and following the fire prevention tips above will help to prevent wildfires during high to extreme fire danger. If you do spot a wildfire, call 911.
Related Stories
"danger" - Google News
June 06, 2021 at 06:01AM
https://ift.tt/2Scu0xO
High-to-extreme fire danger across northern Minnesota this weekend - KSTP
"danger" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3bVUlF0
https://ift.tt/3f9EULr
No comments:
Post a Comment