Wildland fire claims 70 acres near Wilton
According to Joe Rucinski, Bemidji area forestry supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources, the fire spread quickly due to the gusty winds, and damaged around 70 acres of forest land and timber roughly half a mile south of Pete's Place West along the Soo Line Trail.
"We had the Bemidji Fire Department and multiple DNR forestry engines, tracked vehicles and dozers working on the fire," Rucinski said. "As well as two water-scooping airplanes, a single-engine air tanker dropping retardant and one helicopter, all helping out."
While there were several structures in the path of the fire, he said none were damaged as far as he knew. The primary damage was burning timber in a Norway pine plantation on Beltrami County land.
He said some observed fire behavior was crowning — when the fire spreads quickly through the tops of the trees due to high winds — and group torching — when multiple trees ignite and burn at the same time. Some flame lengths were estimated to be shooting 50-60 feet into the air.
The fire was primarily contained by 5 p.m. on Friday, and as of Saturday afternoon was in monitoring status.
"So we're checking it two, three times a day to monitor things, but overall, it's looking really good," Rucinski said.
Rucinski also added that with the low relative humidity and high winds forecast for the coming days, residents should be extra cautious about avoiding any activity that could potentially start a fire.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Minnesota through Sunday for critical fire weather. Near-critical to critical fire weather conditions continue for Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80s to low 90s through Wednesday, with winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph on Sunday and relative humidity as low as 15%.
"Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended," the NWS warning said. "Southerly winds will continue to increase over the weekend, with extremely warm temperatures arriving by Sunday. The hot temperatures, low relative humidity values, and strong southerly winds could bring critical fire weather conditions Sunday afternoon."
Beltrami County Emergency Management Director Chris Muller also issued a caution for local residents as the department continues to monitor the weather situation.
"With persistent drought conditions, the unseasonably warm weather combined with strong winds and low humidity is certainly concerning for wildfire threat," Muller said.
He added that Beltrami County has experienced numerous wildfires in recent years, and conditions are ripe for explosive wildfire growth.
"As was experienced on Friday, fire can quickly spread," he continued. "We are fortunate to have numerous DNR resources that can quickly respond to wildfires. We are also thankful for our local fire departments that provide structure protection when flames get too close."
* Be extra cautious using outdoor equipment
* Avoid equipment that creates sparks
* Check for dragging chains on vehicles/trailers
* Keep equipment out of dry grass
* Avoid outdoor burning
* Debris/agricultural/trash burning
* Campfires
* Avoid activities that involve open flame and/or sparks
* Don't carelessly discard cigarettes
* Evacuate if ordered to do so by local authorities
* Call 911 if you see fire or smoke
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