'Extremely Combustible' Seed May Be In Your Yard, Fire Crews Warn

TWIN CITIES, MN — Fire officials in the Twin Cities are warning residents against burning the "bumper crop" of cottonwood flying around many neighborhoods this summer. The Coon Rapids Fire Department Saturday said they have dealt with a handful of fires in yards that quickly spread along fence lines and houses.

Bloomington fire crews say they've had similar fires as well.

The built up cottonwood is "extremely combustible," officials note. Residents are asked to be cautious with discarded cigarettes, recreational fires and any other ignition sources.

The cottonwood seeds can often look like a pile of snow:

Here's video of what not to do if you want to avoid a fire at your home: