BRAINERD, Minn (KWAD) – Fire crews battling a large wildfire in the Brainerd Lakes Area continued making progress Monday as crews worked to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots. According to the Minnesota Interagency Command System, the Flanders Fire near Mission, east of Pelican Lake, had grown to 1,666 acres by Sunday evening and was 20% contained. The wildfire remains the largest of several fires that broke out across northern Minnesota during a stretch of dry, windy conditions and low humidity.
In an update Monday morning, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department said crews would remain on scene throughout the day focusing on hot spots and reinforcing containment areas. Officials noted that while rain moved through the area, precipitation totals were not significant enough to substantially improve fire conditions.
County Road 11 remains closed near the fire area, though authorities said the roadway could potentially reopen later Monday. Even after the road reopens, officials warned that firefighters and emergency personnel will continue operating in the area and asked the public not to interfere with emergency crews.
Authorities are also discouraging unnecessary travel into the fire zone, including by sightseers or curious residents, saying extra traffic creates additional safety concerns for both responders and the public. The sheriff’s department also thanked community members for their support during the wildfire response, citing donations, encouragement and assistance provided to responders and affected families.
Meanwhile, crews on Minnesota’s North Shore also reported progress on the Stewart Trail Fire northeast of Two Harbors. Officials said that fire reached 62% containment Sunday. Evacuation areas tied to the North Shore fire have been reduced, and portions of Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Silver Bay have reopened to local traffic, allowing some residents to return home.
On Sunday, Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency to help mobilize additional state resources for wildfire response efforts statewide.
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