REGIONAL- St. Louis County has launched a new online mapping tool designed to expedite safe evacuations in the event of a wildfire, and the system was introduced in a press conference last week that brought together representatives of six different agencies to talk about fire emergency preparedness.
Representatives from St. Louis County Sheriff’s Emergency Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, National Weather Service in Duluth, and the cities of Ely and Duluth outlined their winter efforts to update plans for potential wildfires.
A key component of coordinated planning efforts was the development of the online evacuation map, which divides the county into 1,600 evacuation zones and allows residents to assess their community or neighborhood’s fire risk. When a fire develops, the map will pinpoint its location using the most up-to-date data and highlight the evacuation zones for those living in affected areas. The map, following the Ready, Set, Go model, aids in preparation and evacuation if necessary and is available at stlouiscountymn.gov/wildfire. Ely has developed a similar tool, ensuring compatibility with the county’s system. The website also provides property fire risk reduction tips and evacuation checklists.
Josh Brinkman, St. Louis County Emergency Operations Manager, stressed the importance of cooperation among agencies.
“I just want to emphasize the cooperation that all the agencies and departments have when we’re working and preparing,” Brinkman said. “We’re talking all hazards, all the time, so we’re ready for it. We can put our heads together to come up with the best possible solutions.”
St. Louis County’s preparations, which began last fall, include the Public Health Department’s collaboration with the American Red Cross to update potential emergency shelter sites and the Public Works Department’s efforts to clear roadway brush to ensure emergency vehicle access.
The National Weather Service in Duluth, a key planning partner, has shared forecasts and historical data. Most of the county faces moderate drought conditions, a concern exacerbated by the prediction of above-normal temperatures through April, leading to heightened fire danger until vegetation revives. Meteorologist Woody Unruh said that conditions have accelerated the typical timeline for fire season forecasting.
“It’s very unusual to have drought conditions worsen during the winter because we normally have a large snowpack in place. What typically happens in May, we’re seeing in April,” he said.
The U.S. Forest Service has prepared for wildfire response on the Superior National Forest with Forest Supervisor Tom Hall noting the national ability to mobilize resources amid an above-average wildfire risk forecast.
Firewise Specialist Laura Murphy with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offered property protection tips, including recommending gutter cleaning and removing flammable materials from around homes. The Firewise website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise/index.html has extensive resources for homeowners and communities on how to reduce fire risk.
Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said that the heightened fire risk is affecting urban areas as well. His department’s response to grass fires is already running well ahead of normal this year. He advised removing winter leaf cover from gardens and heeding air quality warnings during wildfires.