Wildfire

In an average year Crane Meadows NWR will have several wildfires that occur on and/or near the Refuge. The frequency and size of these fires is largely dependant on weather conditions. The vast majority of wildfires on the Refuge, and in the county, are caused by humans. Off the Refuge many fires are started as a result of debris burning. Often these fires are rekindled, in some cases several days after a debris fire is thought to be out, when air temperature, wind speed and relative humidity come together to create conditions favorable for fires to burn and spread.

Human caused fires that start on the Refuge are most often the result of arson or carelessness. These fires are usually suppressed before they become large, but some have reached into the hundreds of acres and threatened life and property off the Refuge.

The staff of Crane Meadows NWR works closely with the Minnesota DNR Offices. DNR firefighters will often assist Refuge staff in the suppression of wildfires on the Refuge. Likewise, the DNR often calls upon Refuge staff to assist with the suppression of wildfires off the Refuge.

Fire detection for the Refuge is primarily done by the Minnesota DNR. The DNR's fire detection aircraft also flies a route that crosses the Refuge several times a day during these periods. Fires are also frequently called into the DNR, or the Refuge, by sharp eyed public that see smoke while out driving or hiking. The common occurrence of cell phones has increased the speed at which the public can report a fire. This allows fire personnel to act while a fire is still small.

For more information on wildfires in Minnesota, see the Minnesota Forest Fire Information Center at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/