The walleye fishing opener brings hopeful anglers to Minnesota’s lakes. Many of those anglers will cook their catch over a campfire or grill.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges people to use caution this weekend when using fire.
Fire danger is high to very high in a large part of Minnesota. Because drought conditions are severe in much of the state, even the predicted rain over the next couple of days will not reduce fire danger for very long.
Because campfires are also a big part of many fishing opener traditions, the DNR suggests following these steps to build a safe campfire:
• Clear the campfire site down to bare soil.
• Build a small fire no more than 3 feet in diameter.
• Have a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire.
• Put out the campfire by drowning it with water, stirring it and drowning it again.
Also be careful with gas lanterns, barbecue grills, gas stoves and anything that can start a wildfire. Even vehicles like ATVs can start a fire if sparks land in tall, dry grass.
For those doing yard cleanup over the weekend, remember that burning restrictions are in place in most of Minnesota until green up occurs. Alternatives to burning are composting, chipping or bringing debris to an authorized brush site. For up-to-date burning restrictions, visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.
When using equipment like lawnmowers and chainsaws, make sure they are in good working order and use them in areas free of burnable materials so heat from friction or exhaust does not start a fire.
Unfortunately, most wildfires in Minnesota are caused by people, so use extra caution with fires and equipment this weekend.
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