Add Volcanoes To The List

In addition to earthquakes and hurricanes, you can add active volcanoes to the list of natural disasters we don't have to deal with in this part of the world.  The volcano in Iceland continues to spew hot, abrasive ash miles into the atmosphere which is severly hampering air traffic.  The cloud of ash has caused 63 thousand flights in Europe to be cancelled over the last several days and has stranded many thousands of travelers trying to get in and out of that area.  There is considerable pressure for some flights to resume since the airlines are said to be losing 250 million dollars a day because of the no-fly order. 

Meanwhile, among the  natural disasters we do have to contend with are wildfires.  The unusually warm weather and lack of rain this spring has left most of northern Minnesota with a very high fire danger rating.  So far this year the DNR reports nearly 800 wildfires in the state, burning almost 16 thousand acres.  Burning restrictions are in place and caution is urged until the vegetation greens up or a soaking rain arrives.