A burning ban is now in effect in the Lund Fire District. “The lack of snow cover this winter has left standing, dry grass that very easily catches fire and that is making this spring riskier than most,” says Kevin Anderson, Lund Fire District Chief. “It is important that people contact their village board chair to get a burn permit before burning since the snow is gone.”
Dry vegetation, strong winds, or unexpected shifts in weather can turn a small, controlled burn into a raging wildfire. These fires can destroy homes, wildlife habitats, and entire communities, causing irreversible damage to the environment and human lives.
Year-to-date in Wisconsin DNR Protection Areas there have already been 316 wildfires reported; a 184% increase on the year-to-date 10-year average.
But by working together, residents can make their own property — and their neighborhood — much safer from wildfire.
Here are some steps to help you conduct a safe and controlled burn:
Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access.
- Get Approval Before You Burn: Before anything else, contact your local town/village board chair to ensure burning is allowed and to obtain the required permits.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Avoid burning on windy days or when the weather is hot and dry. Choose a day with mild temperatures and little to no wind. Track current fire situation in Wisconsin
- Choose a Safe Location: Select a flat, open area away from buildings, power lines, trees, and other flammable materials. Keep your burn at least 50-100 feet from any structures.
- Prepare the Site: Clear a wide perimeter around the burn area by removing any dry grass, leaves, or debris. This helps prevent the fire from spreading unintentionally.
- Gather Safety Equipment: Have tools like a shovel, rake, and water hose or buckets of water readily available. It’s also wise to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Start Small: Begin with a small, controlled fire and gradually add materials as needed. Avoid creating a large pile that’s difficult to manage.
- Never Leave It Unattended: Stay with the fire at all times to monitor its behavior and ensure it remains under control.
- Avoid Hazardous Materials: Never burn toxic materials like plastics, rubber, or chemicals, as these release harmful fumes and may be illegal to burn.
- Extinguish Thoroughly: When you’re done, extinguish the fire completely by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes to ensure there are no smoldering embers. Double-check for heat before leaving the area.
- Stay Alert: Even after the fire is out, keep an eye on the burn site for a few hours to ensure nothing reignites.
Your donation can now be a tax-deductible gift. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on the safety of our community.
About the Lund Fire District: The Lund Fire Department is a volunteer fire department dedicated to protecting the residents of Pepin Township, Maiden Rock Township, Stockholm Township and the Village of Stockholm. With a team of highly trained professionals, the department offers fire protection, rescue services, and emergency medical response support. The department is committed to community outreach and education, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and resources to stay safe.
About the Lund Fire Fund: The Lund Fire Fund was established to address the growing needs of the all-volunteer Lund Fire District. Our mission is to assist local fire fighters and emergency response teams in the Lund Fire District by providing essential equipment, advanced training, and other critical resources that they require to respond to emergencies swiftly and efficiently.
You can donate to our cause by using our donation page or contacting us directly.
Lund Fire District 