Lakes Area Residents Warned About Dangers of Controlled Burns

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – With most of the snow now gone in the Lakes Area, Detroit Lakes Fire Chief, Ryan Swanson is warning residents about the dangers of controlled burning.

More than 600 wildfires including grass fires occur in the state of Minnesota each year, four out of every 10 are caused by debris fires burning out of control with 75% of those fires occurring in March, April and May.

In the Lakes Area, a burn permit is required from the Minnesota DNR, however controlled burns are not allowed within the city limits of Detroit Lakes except for contractors.

Swanson says if you do plan to burn grasses or debris piles this spring to ensure you have adequate help, “if you’re going to burn even a small chunk of grass, get help. A lot of times we come out to these calls and it’s one or two people – it doesn’t hurt to have water on standby, even a weed sprayer filled with water can help contain fires and slow them down.”

Below-average snowfall this winter came on the heels of an abnormally dry fall in 2020 causing drought conditions across Minnesota with the potential for an active and damaging spring wildfire season. The Minnesota DNR is urging landowners and homeowners to help prevent fires by using burn-free options for spring brush and yard cleanup.