Crosby fire caused by lightning strike, crews make progress in containment

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (FOX 9) - Firefighters continue to battle the Crosby wildfire, which officials said Saturday has expanded to 260 acres, a 50-acre growth that is fueled by northwest winds.

Officials with the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) said the fire is now 45% contained, slightly improving from when it was 35% contained at 210 acres on Friday, Oct. 10. 

Crosby Fire update

What we know:

Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be a lightning strike.

Crews are now working to establish a handline on the fire’s west and east sides, using natural features to aid their efforts. A handline refers to a fire control method that clears an area of any fire fuel down to the mineral soil, which acts as a barrier to the fire spreading. 

MNICS officials add that water-scooping aircraft and helicopters are assisting ground crews by dropping water to cool and slow the flames. 

Firefighters also plan to set up a "hose lay" on the east side to access water for cooling hot spots. 

Closures and safety advisories 

Local perspective:

The Superior Hiking Trail within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is partially closed. 

The trail is closed from Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest along Minnesota State Highway 61 to Lake County Road 7 due to the fire risks, and visitors are asked to avoid the area.

Flying drones near the wildfire is also prohibited, as it halts all firefighting aircraft operations. 

Crosby wildfire in northern MN burning 50 acres

A new wildfire has started north of Duluth. The Crosby wildfire has burned about 50 acres.

What we don't know:

The timeline for full containment of the fire remains uncertain, and further weather changes could impact firefighting efforts. 

The Source: Information from MNICS Fire Information.