Fire
Fire has a deadly impact on human lives. In 2005, for example, firefighters in Minnesota responded to more than 194,000 calls. Fire destroyed $160 million in property and 40 people lost their lives to fire (a record low). In July and September 2006, lightning fires lit up the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest, destroying thousands of acres of trees and lakes and putting human lives at great risk.
Cavity Lake Fire, 2006.
House and building fires usually begin by accident: a grease fire in the kitchen, a candle left burning, a lit cigarette, children playing with matches, an electrical wiring or heating problem, fireworks, backyard burning or a lightning strike. Fires in multiple-unit or multi-story buildings put firefighters to the test, forcing them to climb stairs with heavy equipment.
Forest fires and grass fires are a particularly high risk during a drought, when dried wood and leaves provide fuel that can keep flames burning. High winds can instantly transform a small fire into a roaring grass fire. A careless cigarette or campfire can wipe out natural resources for miles. The smoke from large fires can fill the air with fine-particle pollution that can endanger people who have respiratory or heart conditions.
Be prepared for a fire. You will need to leave the area immediately.
- Go to Get Prepared and create a family communication plan that includes a Go Plan and build a 3-day emergency kit to be ready for a fire.
- Print the Fire Checklist (PDF) and discuss this information with your family.
Fire Resources
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Fire Prevention (external link)
- US Fire Administration (USFA)
US Fire Administration Homepage (external link) - Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homepage (external link) - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Firewise (external link)
Wildfire Information Center (external link) - Common Ground Alliance (CGA)
Pipeline Safety (external link)