Minutes - Council - 06/27/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Development Director, there was a fire on the property. The property owner is now attempting to dispose of the damaged trees while being realistic about the amount of money that can be spent doing so. In response to the City's concerns: F&R does not want to ignite unburned trees; the proposed burn sites will more than meet PCA's minimum 600 feet distance requirement from any other residential dwellings. F&R's proposes to construct two burning pits approximately 40-60 feet in length and width. Berms would be constructed around the pits to reduce fire contact with wind and prevent visibility of the fire from roadways to avoid traffic slow downs by onlookers. The berms would also be used to smother the fire if it becomes necessary. In addition, a water tank will be placed on the site so water is available to put out the fire upon order or if any fire escapes from the burning site. It is estimated that there are 170-250 truck loads of trees to be burned. Mr. Tom Sauter, the proposed burn contractor, has 15 years contracting experience and serves on the Anoka Fire Department. Mr. Sauter estimates that the trees can be burned in 7 days, depending on weather conditions; burning would not occur on windy days. Tom Sauter, proposed contractor for the burn project, was present and stated that he agrees with Fire Chief Hoeke's concerns and that there is a potential fire hazard; and he is willing to address Mr. Hoeke's safety concerns and exercise extreme control and supervison during the burning. Mr. Sauter stated that exporting the material is too expensive and no chipping companies want to chip trees that have been down and are full of sand. The trees in their current state are a fire hazard and the sooner the problem is approached, the sooner the problem will be eliminated. The plan is to burn slow, have water available and shut down burning when there are high wind conditions; if the burn permit is issued, extreme caution would be used. Councilmember Pearson inquired as to the plan for the living trees west of where the fire occurred. Mr. Haik replied that in the area to which Councilmember Pearson refers, there is a mixture of living and slightly burned trees; in the interest of efficiency, all the trees would be cleared out and then the property will be ready for development. Councilmember Peterson inquired as to how the smoke from the fh'e will be controlled. Mr. Haik replied that a hot and clean fire is anticipated because the pines are extremely dry. Mr. Haik reiterated that to export the trees off the property is beyond F&R's economic means; chipping would require a significant number of manhours to down and trim standing trees; chipping contractors are also reluctant to bid on the job because the trees that are down are full of sand and it ruins the chipper blades. Mr. Goodrich inquired if disposal of the trees at the Anoka County Diseased Tree Disposal site has been researched. Mr. Haik replied that the County site only accepts diseased trees. Mr. Sauter stated that he also has been in contact with the Anoka County Diseased Tree Department and they do not have the space to bum such a large amount of trees. Mr. Hartley noted that it has been proposed to burn 250 truck loads of trees in 7 days; this averages out to burning a truckload per hour between the two pits. Mr. Hartley inquired as to the kind of fire that would result from this rapid of a burn. City Council/June 27, 1989 Page 6 of 15