PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- The unseasonably warm weather this winter has prompted warnings about the safety of the ice on our lakes. The Department of Natural Resources is even concerned about the fire danger because of the lack of snowfall.
Typically, this time of year there's at least a coating of snow on the ground. Typically, the high temperature stays in the 20s
And typically, Leroy Kesler's fish house would be safe on Parkers Lake in Plymouth.
This is not your typical year.
"There was a good seven inches, when I brought it out here, cause I drilled several holes we all measured them," Kesler said. But that was a week ago.
A record temperature in the 50's a few days ago may have been just the thing that would force Leroy to come up with a way to save his house. The freeze thaw has put him in a peculiar spot.
As a quick reminder the DNR recommends at least five inches of ice for a snowmobile or ATV, eight to 12 for a car and 12 to 15 inches for a truck.
The DNR would also like to warn people about just how dry things are with warmer temperatures and very little snow.
"No snow, normally the snow crushes down the dry vegetation, flattens it so even if it melts it doesn't burn as well," says Steve Simmer who is with the DNR.
To the contrary you have standing, freeze dried grasses that have fueled a number of fires to pop up over the last several weeks. It's enough of a problem the DNR wants to remind people: if there isn't any snow on the ground, you must have a burn permit.
Simmer says, "all of the fires that we are having are human caused and I think people just get surprised by how well it burns even though it's cold."
Fire and ice, quite a Minnesota winter couple.
"It came out really easy, I came up with this idea thinking it would work and it did...so I'm happy," Kesler said regarding the removal of his fish home from the water.
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