CROSSLAKE — The origin point of the Flanders Fire is now known and people of interest have been identified.
The Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday, May 19, that it determined the fire began near the north shore of Flanders Lake in Mission Township. The wildfire started Saturday and quickly grew amid extreme fire danger, eventually burning approximately 1,666 acres and forcing evacuations.
The DNR also reported it identified people of interest in its investigation.
The agency is asking residents and others in and around the Flanders Lake area — on the western side of state land, along County Highway 11 and Horseshoe Lake Road — who have trail cameras, doorbell cameras or other information from between Friday and Sunday to contact DNR Conservation Officer Jordan Anderson at 218-639-0782.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire was 60% contained. Officials lifted evacuation orders for the area as of noon.
