Pequot Lakes in Crow Wing County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Firefighting Heritage

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

1. Firefighting Heritage Marker (left panel)

Inscription. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry works with other agencies and fire departments, to provide wildfire protection for over 16 million acres of Minnesota forest. The Division of Forestry also administers burning permits and manages the use of prescribed fire. The wildfire prevention program includes school fire prevention programs, the Smokey Bear program, and Firewise Minnesota, a community-based program that helps homeowners protect their property from wildfires.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, known as the DNR, had its beginnings back in 1911, when the state legislature established the Minnesota Forest Service. At the outset, the Forest Service was tasked with controlling wildfires. Later, the organization became increasingly involved in wildfire prevention and public education, as well as fire suppression. In 1931 the Forest Service came under the umbrella of the Minnesota Department of Conservation, which also provided protection of wildlife, waters and state parks. In 1971 the name was changed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

"The year was 1931 and we

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had no sophisticated fire suppression equipment. Nearly all forest and grass fires were extinguished by strong men using hand tools. If water was readily available, it was used in back-pack pumps. Generally water was not available so long handled shovels were used to either beat out the flames or dig a trench to keep the fire from spreading.

Each forest patrolman was required to furnish his own transportation to get to the fires. My firefighting car was a 1923 Model T Ford. In this touring car I could carry some back-pack pump tanks, a few long handled shovels and a couple of axes.
—Don Wilson

State of the Art…
Tools of the Trade…Through the years, Minnesota's firefighting teams have sought out the latest technology; from early trucks carrying shovels and rakes, to sophisticated fire engines, all-terrain tracked vehicles, fire towers, airplanes and helicopters.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center was established to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of fire management by facilitating the exchange of support resources, dissemination of firefighting intelligence, and streamlining communication.

Local Firefighting HeroesLocal fire

Firefighting Heritage Marker (<i>center panel</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

2. Firefighting Heritage Marker (center panel)

departments throughout Crow Wing County are equipped and prepared to work with the Minnesota DNR and other agencies to bring wildfires under control.

Pequot Lakes Fire Department
Pequot Lakes Volunteer Fire Department has 28 firefighters who staff two fire stations, one at Pequot Lakes and the other at Breezy Point. The fire department maintains two fire engines with 1,000-gallon capacity, three tankers, a wildland fire truck, and rescue vehicles.

Fire Departments of Crow Wing CountyBrainerd Fire Department • Crosby Volunteer Fire Department • Crosslake Volunteer Fire Department • Cuyuna Volunteer Fire Department • Deerwood Fire Department • Emily Fire Department • Garrison Fire & Rescue • Ironton Fire Department • Mille Lacs Band Aategewinini Wildland Fire Crew • Mission Township Fire Department • Nisswa Volunteer Fire Department • Pequot Lakes Fire Department

Clean Water • Healthy Forests • Diverse Recreation

Erected by Crow Wing County, Minnesota.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 46° 36.245′ N, 94° 17.665′ W. Marker is in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, in Crow Wing County. It can be reached from County Road 11 0.3 miles east of State Highway 371, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located along the Fire Tower Trail in Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5230 County Road 11, Pequot Lakes MN 56472, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Northland. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

Firefighting Heritage Marker<br>(<i>right panel</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

3. Firefighting Heritage Marker
(right panel)

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Traditional Landscape (here, next to this marker); Fire and Healthy Forests (here, next to this marker); Prescribed Fire (here, next to this marker); Recognition and Fame for The Pequot Lakes Fire Tower (a few steps from this marker); Close to Home... Area Historic Wildfires (a few steps from this marker); Minnesota's Most Devastating Wild Fires (a few steps from this marker); Don Nelson (a few steps from this marker); Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pequot Lakes.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park

Firefighting Heritage Interpretive Kiosk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

4. Firefighting Heritage Interpretive Kiosk

The marker comprises three panels in this trailside kiosk. The Fire Tower Trail crosses left-to-right in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.