Fast-spreading wildfire in northern Minnesota contained

BARNUM TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) - A fast-spreading wildfire in northern Minnesota on Monday night has been contained, according to the Carlton County Sheriff's Office.

The fire was reported in a swamp marshland area near County Road 8 and County Road 11 on Sept. 4 around 5:25 p.m. in Barnum Township. The sheriff's office said the fire quickly grew from one acre to an estimated 40 acres, with flames reaching two to four feet high. 

First responders notified property owners in the area as the fire started getting closer to houses and kept them updated. Thankfully, no structures were reported to be damaged. 

As firefighters battled the fire on the ground, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assisted by using a helicopter to drop water on the flames from above. 

The sheriff’s office said the fire was "contained" before crews left for the evening, and deputies would monitor the wildfire overnight. Fire crews returned to the area Tuesday morning to further manage the fire, which was still active. Fire officials say aircraft resources were recalled to help suppress the fire.

Motorists who are traveling on County Road 8 and 11 are asked to slow down for first responders in the area who are working to put out the blaze. No evacuations have been ordered, according to officials. 

The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.