Potential for wildfires remains very high

The fire danger in the Brainerd area is expected to remain very high for the next couple of weeks.

A very high fire danger, as defined by the DNR, means fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in heavy fuels may quickly develop high-intensity characteristics, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds. Direct attack at the head of such fires is rarely possible after they have been burning more than a few minutes.

Rain would alleviate dry conditions and lower the fire danger, but Craig Schultz, DNR field forester in Brainerd, said there's no precipitation in the forecast through the week. The long-range forecast only shows an inch of rain between now and May 1.

"We're not seeing anything on the horizon," Schultz said. "It's going to take a fairly significant (precipitation), not one rain shower but smaller amounts over a period of time to catch up to the deficit that's been created so far."

DNR firefighting crews have been on alert with equipment ready every day, seasonal smoke chasers are on staff and spotter aircraft have been up every day in Cass and Crow Wing counties.

For the DNR's Aitkin area, which includes Brainerd, there have been 62 wildfires this year and 381 acres burned. In the DNR's Backus area, there have been 34 wildfires and 228 acres burned. The wildfire season started about two weeks earlier than normal this year.

In Brainerd, the very high fire danger led to a complete ban on all fires in the city, including recreational fires usually allowed. Acting Fire Chief Keith Bachman said he would re-evaluate the ban on Friday and if grass, plants and trees have greened up enough he would consider lifting the recreational fire ban. He said he's had numerous calls from people who want to have recreational fires.

"I'd really like to see one evening of rain, then I'd be really happy," Bachman said.

Recreational fires have not been banned in Baxter. The DNR is issuing no burning permits but will allow campfires in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties only in designated fire receptacles at residences, dwellings, campgrounds and resorts if they are no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height.

The restrictions will remain in place until sufficient precipitation is received to lift the fire danger to moderate. If normal precipitation is not received in the near future, additional restrictions may be imposed, the DNR said.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.