Annual Dakota County event led to fire
Flames, event, quickly extinguished
by Laura Adelmann
Thisweek Newspapers
Flames and an annual Dakota County tradition were quickly extinguished last Saturday.
Dakota County Park’s annual “Trails by Candlelight” event was suddenly canceled after a grass fire started as county parks staff were preparing for the event at Lebanon Hills Park, 860 Cliff Road in Eagan.
County deputies responded to what was described by Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows as a “small fire” that was contained and quickly extinguished.
Bellows said in his February newsletter that the fire was caused by dry conditions; the decision to cancel the event was made by the park staff.
The popular event usually features candlelit trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, but because of the light snow this year had been redesigned for hikers and ice skaters.
The county staff had planned for candles to light four miles of hiking trails, a short trail and an ice rink.
