Fire now could save buildings later

by Nick Wognum
The U.S. Forest Service was applying some of its own device to remove fire dangers from around the Kawishiwi Ranger District office in Ely.
With signs on the highway warning of smoke ahead, fires were burned this past week to get rid of balsam trees and other vegetation.
“We’re working on hazardous fuels reduction around our compound. We’re taking out all the balsam, trying to get rid of that fire hazard,” said Backe. “We also have spruce budworm in this area causing problems.”
Backe said there are 25 acres being treated around the complex and some federal land will be treated by the International Wolf Center.
By reducing the balsam and trimming up branches, Backe said landowners can make their properties more resistant to fire.
“We’re trying to reduce the potential for torching if there was a fire in here. It’s a good demonstration project for the public on how to treat your own property around structures and give yourself defensible space,” said Backe.
He said 50-100 feet cleared of flammable trees is what is recommended around buildings.
“Aspen is good but they can be prone to wind damage. If you’re going to leave a tree then limb it up six feet or so. You want to make sure if there is a fire it stays on the ground,” said Backe.
With snow on the ground, this is a good time to do burning projects.
A burning permit is not required if there is at least three inches of snow on the ground.
A treated area north of the building has no understory and it’s that look the Forest Service is looking for on the federal property.
Similar areas that have been treated included the intersection of the Blueberry Road and Highway 21. There are also areas down Highway 1 that have been treated.
This summer there will be some larger prescribed burns being conducted up the Echo Trail.
“There’s going to be a lot of burn units north by Burntside in the coming years,” said Backe.
That area includes federal property near the North Arm road.
The Forest Service’s Hi-Lo Project includes lands from Bass Lake to Big Lake.
“We’ll be hitting that area with a lot of treatments,” said Backe.
He said the area around the Range Station buildings isn’t a high priority, it’s something they can chip away at.
Bakke said balsam proliferate in shady areas and if the seed source isn’t eliminated the trees will continue to come back.
Burning balsam is better than cutting it because the seed source remains. Chipping balsam is also an option.
If you’re looking to keep fires from happening, the Forest Service offers these tips:
• Don’t dump your sauna or wood stove ash with hot embers in the woods around your property.
• Don’t let anyone play with fireworks or matches.
• Never park a vehicle over tall, dry grass (vehicles cause more acreage burned than any other equipment).
• Install spark arrestors on outdoor equipment and recreational vehicles.
• Maintain recreational vehicles, trailers, and farm equipment to minimize the potential for sparks or other sources of heat.
• Check for dragging chains before hauling campers or trailers. Dragging safety chains down the road can quickly become hot and make sparks, causing grass fires.