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Senator Klobuchar Announces Wildfire Protection Program for Ham Lake Region

Klobuchar works with Cook County to secure funding

November 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the devastating Ham Lake fire, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced today an effort to safeguard the citizens of Cook County from future wildfires.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide $3,999,865 to guard structures against wildfire damage by implementing external sprinkler protection systems.  

The most destructive fire in Minnesota since 1918, the Ham Lake fire started on May 5, 2007 and lasted a week, burning through 76,000 acres in Minnesota and Ontario.   The fire destroyed 138 buildings in Minnesota and cost an estimated $11 million worth of firefighting resources. The sprinkler protection systems, part of a fire prevention program known as “Fire Wise,” are designed to mitigate building damages from external fire sources like wildfires by creating a barrier system around a structure’s exterior.

After the fire, Senator Klobuchar visited Gunflint Lodge to meet with lodge and homeowners affected by the wildfire.

“After the Ham Lake fire, I visited with local residents and business owners to hear about their rebuilding efforts,” said Klobuchar.  “The spirit of the people was amazing; they showed resilience in the face of adversity after their community suffered a lot of damage.  This program should go a long way toward helping Minnesotans guard against wildfires.”

The funds will assist property owners with the purchase and installation of wild land external sprinkler protection systems.  The systems will be owned and maintained by the property owners and lessees within Cook County to proactively mitigate wildfire threat to their developed properties. 

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