Do your part to prevent wildfires this holiday weekend
June 29, 2023
Campfires and bonfires can be a fun way to spend time outside, but only if you’re careful.Starting a bonfire, camping, grilling — all are great ways for Minnesotans to celebrate our country's independence this Fourth of July weekend.
However, with much of the state seeing below normal precipitation this year, wildfires are a real risk. Our Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the State Fire Marshal (SFM) divisions are keeping a watchful eye on conditions, but the first responders who keep you safe need your help.
In case the hazy days from this year's wildfires in Canada haven't driven the point home, a wildfire can cause huge problems. One unintentional spark could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage. More than 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans. We play a key role in preventing fires in the first place.
Make sure your gutters, eaves, porches and decks are free from leaves and other debris. That way, if an ember from a fire falls on your home, it will be less likely to ignite.
If you're having a recreational fire — say, a backyard fire for roasting marshmallows or a campfire for cooking hotdogs — check the
current fire conditions before you light the fire. Conditions can and do change rapidly in Minnesota, and the
U.S. National Weather Service is already reporting that most of Minnesota is abnormally dry or in a drought.
Simply put, do your part to be safe around that campfire or bonfire:
- Use a fire ring and build your fire at least five feet from any combustible material.
- Keep kids at least three feet away and have a bucket of water handy to put it out if necessary.
- Never leave your campfire unattended. When you're ready to leave, make sure it is completely out and cold. Drown and stir the ashes until they are no longer hot.
- If something goes wrong, report wildfires immediately by calling 911 from a safe location. Do not attempt to stop the fire yourself, allow professional firefighters to respond. Wildfires are unpredictable and dangerous.
Fires aren't the only danger. Anything that may have a spark could pose a fire risk this holiday weekend. This includes:
- Using lawn equipment like mowers and tractors.
- Chains from recreational vehicles sparking on the roadway.
- Recreational activities like riding motorbikes in dry areas.
-
Setting off fireworks.
No matter what you're doing this holiday weekend, make sure you've got an evacuation plan, know your location in case you need to call 911, and pack an emergency kit. Learn more at
ready.gov/wildfires.
Get the latest burning restrictions from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
