Dry conditions in Norman County, Minnesota, where grass has cured out and trees are losing thier leaves in the first week of August, 2006. - Photo by Steve Schumacher

Dry conditions in the Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWR areas on July 12, 2006. - Photo by Steve Schumacher

The summer of 2006 saw drought conditions across Northwestern Minnesota.  Aside from the obvious impacts to water levels in area wetlands, lakes and rivers the wildland fuels became extremely dry.  Thoughout July and August, fire dangers ranged form Very High to Extreme, the first summer wildfire season many can remeber in these areas.

In response to these dry condtions the Detroit Lakes Fire Management Distrcit made a request for wildfifre severity funding.  This funding was granted for a 60-day period from July to Spetember.  This allowed the Service to provide intial resources for the Detroit Lakes WMD, Tamarac NWR, Hamden Slough NWR, Rydell NWR, and Glacial Ridge NWR during this period. 

A fire engine from Big Stone NWR was stationed for 2 weeks at Rydell NWR to provide inital forces for the Rydell NWR, Glacial Ridge NWR and Detroit Lakes WMD in Polk County, Minnesota.  Detroit Lakes Fire Crew, along with staff from Tamarac NWR, provided inital coverage to Tamarac and Hamden Slough NWR's and the southern portion of the Detroit Lakes WMD. 

In addition, the Service provided 20 days funding for a cooperative helicopter with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This helicopter was station in Park Rapids for use by anyone needing aviation resources for wildfire suppression.

Detroit Lakes WMD   6 wildfires   burned 55 acres

Tamarac NWR     1 wildfire burned 1 acre

Assistance to DNR and Rural Fire Departments  8 fires

Rain fall and cooler temperatures in September has reduced the fire danger to Low - Moderate.  However this drought will have long term impacts through the fall and most likely into the spring fire season March-May, 2007.