Trail, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A routine property burn turned disastrous Saturday morning when flames spread to a nearby structure. At approximately 10:16 a.m. on April 20, the sheriff’s office received an urgent report of a fire near 12060 340th Avenue Southeast in Trail.
According to the sheriff’s office, Andy Peterson had been burning materials on his property when the fire quickly grew out of control, igniting a nearby shed. Despite the rapid response from the Oklee Fire Department, the shed was fully engulfed and ultimately destroyed.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. Officials have not indicated any foul play, and the incident is being treated as an unfortunate accident involving open burning practices.
This event highlights the ongoing risks rural communities face during controlled burns, especially during dry or windy conditions.
Did you know?
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Open burns are a leading cause of rural structure fires in the United States, often escalating due to unexpected wind changes.
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The Oklee Fire Department serves a large portion of Red Lake County, responding to rural fires and property emergencies.
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Under Minnesota law, property burns often require burn permits during certain times of the year to prevent incidents like this.
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Shed fires, though seemingly small, can cause significant financial loss due to stored equipment, tools, and vehicles.
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Firefighters often monitor nearby structures during a burn to prevent secondary ignitions, a step that may not have been feasible here given rural distances.
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Minnesota’s open burning regulations are periodically updated, especially following significant wildfire seasons.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.