The dry winter we’ve had, mixed with unseasonably warm temperatures, might have some of you out celebrating early hints of spring. But fireworks likely aren’t the best way to do it, a grass fire north of Flandreau last week made clear.
Sparks from fireworks shot off Friday night ignited a stretch of grass alongside Highway 13, sending flames quickly moving between two homes.
“It’s getting awfully dry again, especially for February,” Flandreau Fire Chief Don Peters said.
Peters warned that it won’t take much to tip conditions further. A strong wind event could easily push the region back into a burn-ban, similar to last year. In the meantime, he’s urging everyone to be cautious with anything that creates sparks or open flames.
According to Drought.gov, the area is currently considered abnormally dry — similar to last year’s dry spring — and experienced its 27th driest January in the past 132 years.
Temperatures are expected to remain above average early this week, with highs in the 50s and 60s before settling back closer to seasonal norms toward the weekend.
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