MN wildfires: St. Louis County Sheriff lifting some evacuation zones starting Sunday evening
St. Louis County Sheriff gives update on wildfires
St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay gave an update on FOX 9's All Day on the northern Minnesota wildfires.
(FOX 9) - The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is lifting many evacuation zones starting Sunday night as crews make progress in the battle against wildfires burning in northern Minnesota.
Evacuations being lifted
What we know:
Starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, all zones currently in "go" status will be switching to "set" status except for the following areas:
- Zone 100 along the Echo Trail will remain in "go" evacuation status as crews continue cleanup in the area. Crews are still working to clear burned trees that pose a safety risk of failing.
- Zones 200 and 201 along the Cloquet Line will remain in "go" evacuation status due to continued risk from the Camp Fire.
Once under "set" status, property owners will be able to return to their homes and properties. Anyone along the Echo Trail should be aware that the trail is still closed in Zone 100 between Forest Road 200 and just west of the Moose Loop Western Entrance. The sheriff's office says the trail will close daily between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to protect firefighters.
Warning for homeowners
The other side:
Anyone who returns should be prepared for the potential for a return to "go" status. The sheriff warns "these zones will now be in ‘set’ status, meaning evacuation orders on short notice are still a possibility should conditions change."
Deputies also warn homeowners not to touch any hoses, sprinklers, water tanks, or other firefighting equipment that has been set up.
What you can do:
For a map of the evacuation zones and to look up your address, you can click here.