Valentine Fire Department responded to mutual aid response to 2 fires in Purdum and Brown County on Friday evening into Saturday morning, April 22 into April 23, 2022.
Purdum Fire was roughly 6000 acres.
Brown County was 20,000 acres.
20 plus fire departments responded.
VFD was on scene for about 12 hours.
Both fires are now contained and lightning was believed to be the cause.
VFD also responded north of Crookston to a fire early Saturday morning, April 23, at about 1:30 am. Crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours, and the fire burned about 3 acres. Power lines were the cause of the Crookston fire.
A burn ban was issued for Cherry County effective 4/16/22. The ban primarily applies to permit required open burns such as brush piles, leaves, etc.. All burn permits will remain suspended until the burn ban has been lifted.
Please stay safe and practice fire prevention. Open pit fires, campfires, bale wrap, and the burning of yard waste or other materials is not allowed. Grills, gas fire pits, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and burn barrels (properly secured to ground with fire grates or spark arresters) are permitted. Anyone found to be in violation of this burn ban could be held liable for damages caused by the spread of fire.
Fire Chiefs urge landowners to keep stock tanks full to help with water supply should the need arise and thanks In advance for their cooperation and assistance.