Grass Fire near Lake Park Ignites Out-Building

Apr 28, 2022 | 11:02 AM

BECKER COUNTY, MINN. (KFGO) – Spring is the season with the highest daily average of fires. This peak is largely due to an increase in outside fires, especially stubble, dead brush, and grass and that was the case early this morning.

Lake Park Fire Chief Dave Coufal said fighters responded to a report of fire just west of Lake Park. He said winds had whipped up embers from an earlier permitted fire that then spread and ignited an out-building that was ready for demolition.

“There is a lot of fuel out there at this point right now, when summer does finally decide to arrive and we get some green-up, I think we’ll be in good shape. Hopefully it will be a short grass fire season this year,” said Coufal.

Coufal said the fire was put out quickly. He called it a “wake-up” call as stubble burning has both positive and negative consequences.
He appreciated a passing BNSF train crew that notified Red River Regional Dispatch of the fire around 3 a.m., Thursday.

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