Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/16/1983

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I I ! I I I I ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I Case #2: Hanson Tree Farm: Anoka Fire Marshall was present and provided Fire Department's perspective regarding burning at the Hanson Tree Farm. Fire Marshall stated that Hanson's are not burning totally wrecklessly and precautions are being taken. He stated that firebreaks are in good condition, fires are being attended while burning, water is available and they are obtaining legal permits. Some of the hazards observed were no security against unauthorized vehicles entering the property, lot of brush that should be cleared away, logs that should be hauled away, alleged statements that fires are not being attended until full extinguished, garden hose provided would not take care of a sudden flare up, local permits to burn do not preclude PCA permits. Fire Marshall also noted the requirement of not burning within 600' of neighboring buildings, and i'n that instance, the Hanson's could only legally burn on the northwest corner of their property. Fire Marshall also stated that vehicular travel is obstructed by smoke from the Hanson property. The Fire Marshall stated that it is his recommendation that the southern ½ of the northeast corner of Section 21 be declared a hazardous fire area and that Ramsey should adopt'burning regulations'to suit the City. Mr. Hanson pointed out that he too has some professional expertise regarding forestry and burning, that he has taught fire protection at the University for 15 years' and served asa consultant for DNR. Mr. Hanson stated that operating a forest within City limits presents problems and that he .and his sons would like to operate this forest indefinitely. Mr. Hanson noted that the pile of logs shown in Fire Marshall's presentation were not there while burning was taking place, that they are a result of present street improvements. Mr. Hanson stated that the best prevention of fires in a forest situation is not burning when there is any conceivable hazard and he adheres to that rule very strictly. He stated that the Fire-Marshall's slide of a large pile of brush on the property is the same pile that he applied for a permit to burn in November of 1982 and was unaware that a burning moratorium had been set. He received special permission to burn brush at a subsequent Council meeting and because of snow he could not get it to burn. He then received a 3 day permi~ in March to burn and only had time to burn one of the piles of brush and since then conditions have been too hazardous for burning. Mr. Hanson stated that the only problems with fires he has had in the 32 years with that forest is neighboring childred trespassing the property and starting the fires, and that has happened only two times. Mr. Hanson stated that when he does burn he has a tractor, two back pack pumps, hose for refilling pumps and 3 men on the premises and it is not true that we leave fires unattended. Mr. Hanson stated that a front end loader is used to cover ashes and steam does-escape through the dirt and that'steam could be alarming the neighbors. Mr. Hanson pointed out that he is providing 40 acres of green area in the City. Mr. Hanson stated that Minneapolis educational and civic groups have toured his forest operation and he welcomed Ramsey organizations to do the same and stressed the fact that he is not a 'wreckless character as far as fires are concerned. Mayor Gamec stated that indications are that the Hanson's have done a good job but the major concern is for residential homes in the area and is it worth the risk. Stan Lemberg - 15334 Rhinestone - Mr. Lemberg stated that the Hanson's are tremendous neighbors but it did happen that once they left the property, a wind came up, flames started to flare up and he extinguished them. C/May 31, 1983 Page 13 of 26