Dry Leaves Create Fire Risk for Homeowners

Jamie Novak of the St. Paul Fire Department set several bags of leaves on fire with a fireworks during a demonstration. In less than a minute they were engulfed in flames. He says, all it takes is a spark.

"It's a huge fuel load to have right up against your garage, especially when the leaves are dry like this," Novak said.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the fire danger ranges from high to extreme. And with it being so dry, it means burning is restricted throughout most of the state. Novak says raking up your leaves is a good idea, but get rid of them.

"Take leaves to your local county composting site and turn them back into dirt. Don't be throwing them into the garbage, don't be storing them for a long time. Rake them up and take them as soon as possible," Novak said.

Madeline Fyten was out raking her yard. She has a lot and a half covered mainly with oak trees. Until she gets most of the leaves up, she won't be building an outdoor fire anytime soon.

"Just with sparks coming out of the fire place, we'll wait until it's a little wetter," Fyten said.

Novak says, timing is key.

"You don't BBQ, you don't campfire and you don't do anything that creates sparks or flames," Novak said.