ELY – Smoke hazard signs on Hwy. 1 just east of Ely late last week drew curious onlookers. With the winter’s limited snow cover lingering over much of the landscape in the North Country and current drought conditions, many people are already thinking about the forest fire threats this spring.
That includes the U.S. Forest Service, which was proactively managing forest and brush around buildings and workshops at their Kawishiwi Ranger District office to provide defensible space ahead of the upcoming fire season.
On their Facebook page, local USFS officials said trees were cut about a year ahead of time and piled into stacks to dry out. When conditions are safe, and the ground is covered in snow to prevent the fire from spreading, they light the piles.
About 25 acres around the Kawishiwi headquarters are being burned this spring. Some other federal land will be treated by Ely International Wolf Center personnel, according to the USFS.
Forest Service officials say they welcome the public to visit the district office to learn more about “firewise” practices and defensive actions to prevent fires.
The burning practices of North Country residents and their neighbors can contribute to the risk of home loss from wildfire. The number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota is escaped debris from spring burning. The Forest Service offers these tips to avoid such risks:
Rather than burning leaves and debris, consider alternatives like composting.
• Don’t dump sauna or wood stove ash with hot embers in the woods around your property. Do not dispose of ashes until they are cold to the touch.
• Make sure recreational fires are made in a fire-safe pit or container and completely extinguished before leaving. Before lighting any outdoor fire, check for local restrictions and permit requirements.
• Avoid lighting fires when high winds, high temperatures and low humidity are present or predicted.
• Don’t let anyone play with fireworks or matches.
Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Keep those safety cans in a fire-resistant metal or brick building or your garage.
• Are there any branches close to power lines on your property? Ask the power company to clear them.
• Never park a vehicle over tall, dry grass (vehicles cause more acreage burned than any other equipment).
• Maintain recreational vehicles, trailers, and farm equipment to minimize the potential for sparks or other sources of heat.
• Check for dragging chains before hauling campers or trailers. Dragging safety chains down the road can quickly become hot and make sparks, causing grass fires.