Fire burns grassland near state park

By Chad Koenen, Starbuck Times

The first grass fire of the year proved to pack a powerful punch for area firefighters last Tuesday afternoon.

Encompassing much of the land near County Road 13 and Glacial Lakes State Park, firefighters from Starbuck and Glenwood Fire Departments and DNR were on scene for nearly four hours, according to Starbuck Assistant Fire Chief Mike Moen.

While smoke from the fire could be seen towering over the fields, there were no reports of structural damage or injuries and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Moen.

DNR Forestry Technician Ernie Schmitt said the large fire in south central Pope County burned approximately 321 acres of land "which is kind of unusual this time of year." Part of the blame for Tuesday's fire is the dry grass in the area which helped fuel the fire. While much of the fire burned private grassland, Schmitt said there were some trees that may have been burned, however the exact extent of that damage is not known at this time.

While the fire burned a large piece of land near the state park, Glacial Lakes State Park Manager Matt Feigum said he is not aware of fire damage to any park structures in the park.

In order to help prevent future grass fires, Starbuck Fire Chief Todd Johnshoy said it is important to remember to get a burning permit prior to starting a fire and to use some extra caution when burning materials, especially while the grass is still brown.

"Until we get our green grass coming back, you are going to have to be pretty careful," he said.

Even after securing a permit, Schmitt suggested that individuals make sure there is at least a five foot area clear of vegetation around the fire and that the fire is completely out before leaving the area.

After getting a burning permit, Glenwood Fire Chief Dave Orlowski said, "Always use common sense and be safe. Be aware of your surroundings and if you don't feel the conditions are right - or you're not 100 percent comfortable with controlling the fire - don't burn. Wild land fires can develop very quickly and can be very dangerous."

The DNR will impose burning restrictions in Pope County effective Monday, April 5, at 8 a.m.