Large wildfire near Gully underscores fire danger

On Monday, April 6, at about 9:00 a.m., Department of Natural Resources fire crews, along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Goodridge Fire Department, responded to a wildfire on state land north of Gully, adjacent to the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The fire, known as the Star Fire, burned approximately 807 acres of grass, cattails and a small area of aspen.

 

A combination of aerial and ground resources worked together to suppress the fire. DNR aerial attack resources from Bemidji, including a helicopter and two single engine air tankers (SEATs), cooled the active fire, which allowed ground crews and tracked vehicles to establish a fire line to clean it up. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

On Tuesday, Grygla DNR forestry staff worked surface peat with hand tools, digging it and mixing it with moist soil. Pockets of surface peat continue to burn, but 8-10 inches of frost is preventing spread deeper into the soil. The DNR continues to monitor the fire daily and will add resources if necessary.

 

“Dry conditions have created increased fire danger this spring,” said Adam Munstenteiger, Warroad forestry supervisor. “Fires can escape easily and spread rapidly.”

 

Most of northwestern Minnesota has received less than one inch of precipitation in the last 60 days and all of the state is experiencing moderate drought conditions. Ongoing dry conditions mean the wildfire danger is much higher than normal this early in the year. 

 

The DNR reminds people that open burning restrictions remain in northwestern Minnesota. Under these restrictions, open burning of brush or yard waste is prohibited.

 

Contact the DNR forestry office in Warroad for information on wildfire danger and burning permits or visit the DNR Web page on fire danger and burning permit restrictions at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.