Flanders wildfire: Crews continue battling hot spots as County Road 11 remains closed

MN wildfires: Crews working to contain active fires

Fire crews are working to contain at least two active wildfires in Minnesota, the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County and the Stewart Trail Fire in Two Harbors. FOX 9’s meteorologist Cody Matz has the latest. 

BREEZY POINT, Minn. (FOX 9) - Fire crews continue working the Flanders wildfire on Monday, focusing on hot spots and reinforcing containment lines, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire started on Saturday, May 16, about 10 miles east of Breezy Point in Crow Wing County. As of Sunday night, the wildfire had grown to around 1,700 acres and was 20% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Flanders fire near Breezy Point

The backstory:

In an update on Monday, officials said the area received some rain overnight, but not enough to significantly improve fire conditions. More scattered showers and storms are possible in Minnesota on Monday night. 

County Road 11 remains closed as emergency crews continue operating in the area. Authorities said the roadway could possibly reopen later on Monday, though no exact timeline has been provided.

Even after the road reopens, officials warned that firefighters and emergency personnel will still be actively working nearby and asked the public not to interfere with operations.

What they're saying:

"Our priority remains protecting lives, property, and the safety of everyone in the area," the sheriff’s office said in an update.

Authorities are also urging people without a reason to be in the area to stay away, including sightseers and curious onlookers, saying unnecessary traffic creates safety concerns for both responders and the public.