CROSSLAKE — People evacuated Saturday, May 16, as the Flanders Fire rapidly grew in northern Crow Wing County will be able to return home for the day Monday.
The evacuation order remains in place while crews actively respond to the fire, according to the 11 a.m. update from the Flanders Fire incident management team.
Fire-impacted properties are still being assessed, so property owners are asked to only spend the day in the evacuation area if possible.
As of 11 a.m., the fire was estimated at 1,666 acres and is 20% contained, meaning crews have secured fire breaks around 20% of the perimeter.
The temporary evacuation point operating at the Crosslake Community Center will close Monday evening. Services have transitioned to The Log Church, 37218 County Highway 66, in Crosslake.
The community center remains open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless community needs change. Snacks, beverages, information and support services will be available for those affected by the Flanders Fire.
Crow Wing County declared a local emergency Sunday. Officials are working on a damage assessment to be submitted to Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which is the first step toward receiving fire management assistance grants and public disaster aid.
County Highway 11, which was closed between County Highway 3 near Crosslake and Highway 6 near Crosby since Saturday, will reopen to the public at noon Monday.
Those who do not have a reason to be in the area — including those who are simply curious — should continue to stay away for their safety and the safety of firefighters still working in the area, the sheriff's office requested.
"Once the road does reopen, fire crews and emergency personnel will still be actively working in the area," Crow Wing County said in its Monday morning update. "We ask the public to please avoid interfering with crews so they can continue operating safely and effectively. Our priority remains protecting lives, property, and the safety of everyone in the area."
There was minimal rainfall in the area Sunday night, and it was not enough to impact the fire.
Firefighters continue to patrol the fire and extinguish problem areas of fire or heat. Crews are working to protect structures and reinforce fire breaks on the north and south sides of the fire and began building a line on the east side of the fire Sunday.
On Monday, crews will also focus on assessing road corridors and looking for hazard trees near structures.
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