BRAINERD, Min (KWAD) – Containment of the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County has climbed to 95%, according to Wednesday morning’s update from the Minnesota Incident Command System.
The wildfire, which began May 16 roughly 10 miles east of Breezy Point, has now burned 1,686 acres. The cause remains under investigation.
Fire officials credited firefighters for the major increase in containment achieved Tuesday evening. Crews have continued strengthening containment lines, extinguishing hot spots and removing hazardous trees near roads and properties. Officials said firefighters have reinforced fire lines approximately 150 feet inward from the fire perimeter to create barriers preventing additional spread. Some hot spots deeper inside the burned area may be allowed to cool naturally due to dangerous tree conditions that pose risks to firefighters. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office drone team assisted crews Tuesday by conducting aerial surveys used to identify remaining hot spots along the fire line.
No closures or evacuation orders remain in effect, and County Road 11 has reopened. However, authorities continue urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel through the fire area while crews remain on scene.
Officials warned residents may continue to see smoke inside the fire perimeter over the coming weeks as interior hot spots continue smoldering.
Wednesday’s update also stated that firefighters and equipment are continuing to demobilize as containment nears completion. The incident management team is expected to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities at 7 a.m. Thursday. Meanwhile, Crow Wing County Health and Emergency Management teams are visiting homeowners in formerly evacuated areas to help assess needs and evaluate potential impacts to homes and property. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the wildfire area, and officials continue reminding the public not to fly unauthorized drones near firefighting operations.
Despite recent rainfall, officials said dry conditions remain a concern across central Minnesota and urged residents to continue following current burning restrictions.