Page 14 Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 20, 2026 hometownsource. com / heartland /
“ It’ s not a one and done sort of thing and there are details around seasonality and intensity of the fire that warrant further digging. The increasing prevalence of tickborne diseases makes it a worthwhile area of study to improve public health outcomes.,” he said. As far as fire safety, there is a lot of science to burning.“ To start the fire, you are doing test fires to test volatility. If conditions are not right, then you don’ t burn that day. When we do burns, there is a lot of prep work such as creating a perimeter, removing fuels from the perimeter, wind needs to be just right for a safe burn, and we have to figure which way the smoke is going to travel. We have a burn break to stop the fire. We plan with adequate staff and have incredible training,” he said.
“ Fires mostly put themselves out. For the next 24 to 48 hours, we monitor for hot spots and put them out with water. The woodier the fuels, the longer it takes to put out.” PBAs are community-led organizations where members share knowledge, labor, and equipment to implement prescribed fires. Joining or forming a PBA in your community can provide you with access to training, resources, and a network of experienced fire practitioners. There is no cost for membership.
If you are a private landowner interested in conducting prescribed fires on your land, visit the Minnesota PBA website to learn more at: https:// www. minnesotapba. org
Champion of show
Jeffrey Hage / Stories of the Heartland
Benton County 4-Her Annie Reisinger was all smiles after winning the Champion of Show award at the llama / alpaca show Friday, Aug. 7 at the Benton County Fair. Annie was the winner in the category for participants in grades 9 and above.
Morrison Soil & Water
INVITES YOU TO...
FORESTRY FIELD DAY
OCTOBER 9 TH, 2026
10:30 AM-2:00 PM BELLE PRAIRIE COUNTY PARK
19161 Haven Rd, Little Falls MN 56345
Free lunch will be provided. You must RSVP.