Mild Winter Raises Fire Threat

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been dealing with something they usually don't see this time of the year, wildfires. 

Brainerd area Program Forester Mark Mortenson tells KLKS News, they have seen wildfires in both December and January.  The DNR worries about any fires in wetland areas getting into peat.  Those can take a long time to extinguish. 

Mortenson says area forests could be under stress due to the lack of moisture.  That, combined with the mild temperatures, could result in more pests placing more pressure on trees.  He says there is little that can be done now.  A good watering is recommended after the spring thaw.