The Minnesota fishing opener is this coming weekend and so far, everything seems to be happening on schedule. Walleyes have finished spawning, trees are beginning to bud, animals are playing, and the peepers are singing in the swamps, a normal spring—other than the lack of rain.
Fire danger has been extreme this week with overnight humidity being the only saving grace. High winds matched with warm days and no rain are a dangerous combination that create ideal conditions for forest fires. The Ham Lake fire reunion was last week reminding us of how early a forest fire can erupt, and there have already been a few fires happening east of Hibbing that have proven difficult for fire fighters to contain.
Wildfire sprinkler systems are common to many Gunflint Trail homes, and now is a good time to prime them for the season. If anything broke over the winter months, and they often do, there is time to get them fixed before they are actually needed. I spent this week preparing cabins and sprinkler systems for some residents, and it is amazing the damage winter can cause, even when everything has been properly drained and maintained. One system had a tree fall on the PVC line, cracking it in several places while another had a pesky critter called a mud dauber build a nest in the propane regulator.
Sprinkler systems are vulnerable to the elements, but they are also our best defense against an approaching wildfire. If you have a system already, it is wise to run it often. Sitting idle is hard on them, just like a vehicle. There should be a 20-pound propane cylinder dedicated to testing and maintaining the system, and a 50-pound cylinder dedicated for emergency use only. If you had to steal your 20-pound cylinder to finish grilling some steaks, then make sure it gets replaced. Propane becomes a commodity during a fire and it is difficult to replace or replenish once a fire is upon us.
Cook County has a Firewise committee that will visit your property for an assessment, and evaluation on how to keep your property safe from forest fire. Their recommendations might range from trimming trees up to six feet off of the ground, or relocating the supply of split firewood from under or against cabins. Take their advice and it could save your property from being destroyed by wildfire.
Meanwhile, it wouldn’t hurt to wish for some much needed rain.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com
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