State Asks People to Take Precautions to Help Control Wildfires

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants residents to take precautions against wildfires.

They describe the spring so far as an active season with 475 wildfires reported since April 1st. The first tip from the agency is to avoid taking on wildfires by yourself. They recommend anyone who comes across a new blaze to retreat to a safe area and call 911 immediately.

Wildlife Operations Manager William Glesener notes, “Every year, including this year, we learn of people who have suffered serious injuries that require hospitalization — or worse, fatalities — from attempting to control a wildfire on their own.”

The DNR warns against being careless even during seemingly routine activities like camping or burning yard waste. Especially on warm, sunny, or windy days, the risk of wildfire is always present, and it comes with threats to people and property.

A simple rule of thumb regarding ashes is to feel them with a bare hand. If they are hot to the touch, they are too hot to leave unattended, even if the fire looks to be out. Experts say prevention is the best management tool the state has in reducing fire risk.

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