TOFTE — Firefighters are continuing to improve containment lines and address hot spots in a wildfire burning in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park since Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The fire has remained at 300 acres since Sunday and containment has steadily grown, reaching 85% Tuesday, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System's latest update. Favorable weather conditions have assisted firefighting efforts by the Department of Natural Resources and three Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa crews.
Containment percentages represent the portion of the fire that is wrapped by a control line.
MNICS announced Saturday that the fire was caused by a lightning strike. The fire is burning in a remote area that is mostly part of the state park. The Lake County Sheriff's Office said Monday there are no immediate threats to residents.
The fire grew quickly amid dry conditions, reaching 50 acres by Thursday morning after its discovery Wednesday afternoon and growing to 160 acres by Friday.
A portion of the Superior Hiking Trail within the state park remains temporarily closed from the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest to the Highway 61 and County Road 7 access points. The state park remains open.
Cooler temperatures, increasing clouds and humidity values above 40% reduce fire weather concerns Tuesday, and there are greater chances for widespread rain Wednesday night into Thursday.
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