Burning Ban Issued; Woodbury Crews Battle Grass Fire

Just a few hours after Woodbury crews battled a grass fire near Manning Avenue and Dale Road, a burning ban was put into place across Washington County.

A home and pole barn were able to be saved as fire burned through about two acres of grass, Woodbury Fire Cmdr. John Wallgren said. The call came in at about 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.

The homeowner discarded some ashes, he said.

Crews battled the fire for three or four hours and firefighters from Oakdale and the Lower St. Croix Valley also responded, Wallgren said.

With continued drought conditions, the Fire Chiefs of Washington County on Friday issued a burning ban that began at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.

"The Washington County Fire Chiefs are taking this extraordinary measure to help ensure the safety of our residents,” Deputy Fire Chief Alan Newman, president of the Washington County Fire Chiefs Association, said in a statement. "Conditions across the state, including all areas of Washington County, are favorable for significant grass and wild fires."

No camp or recreational fires or open burns will be permitted within Washington County during the ban, according to a release. No burning permits will be issued and no use of fireworks will be allowed.

The ban will continue until further notice.

The drought has brought wildfire conditions to the point at which fires start easily from sparks or windblown embers and spread rapidly, the release says.

People are encouraged to contact their local fire department for updates.

Oct. 7-13, is Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Have Two Ways Out." The campaign focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, Woodbury's four fire stations will be holding open houses on Saturday, Oct. 13. Visitors will have the opportunity to try on the firefighters' gear, handle heavy hoses that are used to put out fires, and check out the life-saving equipment that every ambulance carries. There also will be a chance to meet local firefighters and climb on the fire trucks.

In addition, members of Public Safety will be on hand for Hands-Only CPR training as part of the Take Heart Woodbury campaign.

To see the fire station open house schedule, go to www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/fire-department/tours-and-events.

For more information and resources on fire safety, visit  www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/fire-department/fire-safety.

Like Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter