It’s been three years since International Falls residents were evacuated when mid-April winds blew flames from a controlled grass fire into trees and the surrounding area.
With homes and businesses in the fire’s path, local officials called in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide air support via waterbomber aircraft in the effort.
What started as a resident burning a little grass grew into a wildfire quickly.
And local officials say the conditions are similar now and it could happen again.
Falls Fire Chief Adam Mannausau and Willi Kostiuk, Koochiching County emergency management coordinator, urge area residents to stay aware of weather conditions and fire danger.
“With the humidity at a certain level and high winds, and without the heavy snowpack that keeps down the tall weed grass, it’s presenting more of a fire danger,” Kostiuk said Wednesday.
A “controlled fire” can get out of control quickly in the current conditions, Mannausau added.
“It can get away from you very fast,” he said.
Mannausau said the city follows the DNR recommendations, which now require burning permits in Koochiching County for any burning other than a campfire.
Burning permits can be obtained from the DNR or a state fire warden.
Mannausau said he grants permits within the city limits, and that’s on a case-by-case basis, depending on material to be burned, size of fire, and where it’s located.
“We do issue permits, but it doesn’t mean everyone can get one,” he said. “It depends on the neighborhood, surrounding area, size of the pile, material and weather conditions.”
He urged people to pay attention to wind conditions and their outdoor activities now.
“At this time of year, any kind of spark could be a danger,” he said, referring to chain saws, chains dragging, and other equipment.
He encouraged people to check the DNR’s website, and search for “burning” to find the most recent recommendations and conditions.
Another resource
Kostiuk wants people to know that the Arrowhead Regional Emergency Management Association, or AREMA, Facebook page will provide current fire warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
“As coordinator, I put these warnings out when conditions are favorable (for fire),” he said. “It’s dry, we haven’t had a lot of rain, and there’s not been a lot of snow. This presents danger of dry grass and leaves in the woods and presents a real fire danger, especially with gusty winds. It’s the perfect storm.”
Kostiuk said now is not the time to burn leaves or shrubs and recalled the April 2015 fire that started with a resident burning grass.
“We had to evacuate a part of the city,” he said. “It was terrible, but amazing to watch how quickly it grew.”
And while he said the fire was small compared to those burning in the Western United States, it’s still a real danger to local communities.
He urged people to go through the proper channels for burning permits when they are allowed, and to be sure to have water, shovels and other equipment nearby and at the ready should the fire grow larger than intended.
In addition, he said the AREMA Facebook page will include information about other advisories, emergencies, disasters, best practices, and other weather-related concerns.
DNR staff did not return phone calls in time for this publication.
