BRAINERD, Minn (KWAD) – Firefighters continue making significant progress on the Flanders Fire burning east of Breezy Point, with officials reporting the wildfire is now 60% contained.

According to a Tuesday morning update from the Minnesota Interagency Coordination System, the fire remains at 1,666 acres and currently has 143 personnel assigned to the incident. The wildfire began May 16 approximately 10 miles east of Breezy Point along Highway 6 in Crow Wing County. The cause remains under investigation.

Incident Commander Jeb Backe said firefighters made “excellent progress” Monday as crews continued building containment lines, extinguishing hot spots and removing hazardous trees from the fire area.

Officials said tracked vehicles, bulldozers, chainsaws and drone teams have all been used to support suppression efforts. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s drone team also assisted with aerial mapping and hot spot detection.

County Road 11, which had previously been closed due to firefighting operations, reopened Monday around noon. Even with the roadway reopened, officials are urging the public to avoid the area unless travel is necessary. Drivers passing through are asked to slow down and remain alert for firefighters, emergency vehicles and heavy equipment still operating near the roadway.

With containment increasing, officials say firefighting resources are beginning to scale back. Some firefighters and equipment are now being demobilized as the incident management team prepares to transition command of the fire back to local authorities. All evacuation notices connected to the fire are scheduled to be lifted at noon Tuesday, allowing residents to return to their homes and properties.

A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire area, and officials reminded the public not to fly unauthorized drones near the wildfire.

“If you fly, we can’t,” fire officials stated, noting drones can interfere with aerial firefighting operations.

Weather conditions Tuesday are expected to remain cooler, with highs near 50 degrees and minimum humidity levels around 55 percent. Officials said the area received approximately 0.3 inches of rain Monday, helping firefighting efforts, though crews continue active suppression and mop-up operations.