Monday was a beautiful, almost spring weather day. Strong winds were blowing the cold air out and there was a promise of spring weather around the corner for later in the week. Those of use who live in Anoka County near wetlands and prairies realize the windy spring weather has some drawbacks. The winter has left grass dry and dormant. One lit cigarette or untended bonfire can spark a huge wildfire. The Minnesota DNR always has spring fire restrictions and we are always aware of them until that first spring rain. DNR Spring Fire Restrictions.

In the morning we were concerned to hear that a few fires had broken out along Lexington Avenue from Blaine to Ham Lake. Usually along the road the fires are started by carelessly tossed cigarettes but several within an hour along the same stretch of road was suspicious. The fires were contained but when they mention Carlos Avery and fire, I am concerned. We live near the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Center. The preserve is a huge wetland and wildlife refuge that stretches from Lino Lakes to Wyoming.  As a REALTOR and resident of Anoka County, I know of several homes that abut the preserve and so fires in the area are very scary....Especially on a windy day.

As I headed down my road a few miles away late Monday afternoon, imagine my concern as I saw smoke across the sod field in the Carlos Avery area. My commute takes me on Broadway Avenue, a main thoroughfare that bisects the wildlife preserve in Columbus. As I travelled east, I knew the danger had not past. The south side was ablaze.

It was frightening. I snapped a few pictures as I approached but figured the Anoka County deputy directing traffic would frown upon my distracted driving so didn't take any as I was directed by the area where the fire was so close I could feel it heat up the inside of my car. I also resisted the impulse to pull over for additional pictures as so many others had.

Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable; winds change.
It was a scary afternoon. We were diverted on our way home about 10 miles south to Lino Lakes on our return trip. The fire spread. 1500 total acres burned. Friends we know were being evacuated. The smoke filled the air. Fortunately the wildfire was contained without losses of homes or lives. But the scars will remain.

As I commuted down Broadway Tuesday morning, the scorched land was still smoldering. A Forest Lake firefighter had already been arrested in connection with starting the blaze in the early afternoon on Monday. A witness saw a person shoot fireworks from the car window into the roadside ditch along Broadway. The dry grass immediately burst into flames. The witness had noted the license plate and called in the fire immediately. But the high winds and dry grass were a vicious combination and the fire quickly went wild. The story becomes even stranger when it is revealed that the owner of the vehicle spotted was a former business owner, award winning volunteer fire fighter and coach. It makes no sense that someone would put so many others at risk. Full story of arrest here.

Spring fire restrictions in place for a reason. Heed the warnings.

Fire Facts

• Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in MN occur during April and May.
• The burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota.

If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

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Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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