Northland firefighters prepare for the wildfire season with the DNR

It’s no secret that 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Although you might not know that 3 out of 4 wildfires in Minnesota happen between April and May. The Minnesota DNR is planning ahead and giving Northland firefighters a refresher course in tackling these dangerous flames.

These training meetings for fire crews keep them prepared with newer technology and communications. Brian Schiller is a forest technician form Two Harbors. He says Minnesota has experienced below-average precipitation, inconsistent snowpack, and persistent drought conditions.

“Here in the springtime, fires usually go pretty fast. During the summer you’re talking heavier materials are burned and it can take a couple days to extinguish,” Schiller said. “It’s a little early to say, but I would say we’re sitting better than we were last year. Last year was a very abnormally dry winter. This is kind of a medium, but we’re still droughty in some areas. So we’re keeping an eye on it.”

With the current conditions, the DNR is wasting no time to make sure they have enough staff to extinguish any flames when temperatures start to warm up. Aaron Mielke, an assistant area forester, says the DNR is looking to hire more seasonal wildland firefighters.

“We’re always hiring smoke chasers, which are kind of our intermittent call when needed firefighters,” Mielke said. “There’s a basic level of training that we’d put you through and then that can get you started.”

As these Northland firefighters continue their training, there are several safety tips residents in the Northland can take to prevent a wildfire from getting out of control. First, check to see what the current burning restrictions are. Next see if you need any permits for what you’re burning. Finally, always make sure the coals are extinguished and there’s no chance any embers could re-ignite a fire.

“Most structures that burn down in wildfires, it’s because of the ember cast that comes in. An ember comes in and gets in the gutter, or lands on some upholstered furniture,” Mielke said. “Or gets out on a deck or gets underneath a deck or crawl space and that’s how it starts. Not the raging flame front that comes.”

If you are unsure whether or not there is a wildfire, don’t hesitate to call 911 to report it in. An early report can help keep fires small.