05/18/2026
5/18 11:00am Wildfire update from Minnesota Incident Command System MNICS
Flanders Fire Update
Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Jeb Backe
Fire Information Line: 218-225-1711 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-flanders-fire
Flanders Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1,666 acres Origin: 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota County: Crow Wing
Start Date: May 16, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 20% Total Personnel: 139
Key Messages: With limited precipitation last night, fire conditions remain dynamic, and suppression work continues. County Road 11 will reopen today at 12noon for pass-through traffic and property owners within the evacuation area will be allowed back to their properties for the day. Assessments of fire impacted properties have not been completed so property owners are asked to only spend the day in the evacuation area if possible. The general public is asked to continue avoiding the area for the safety of both the public and the firefighters working in the area. The evacuation areas remain in effect while this wildfire is still an active and evolving incident.
Operation Update:
Yesterday, firefighter hand crews were able to continue to build and improve fire lines and 20% containment was reached. Local Fire Departments deployed engines and crews for structure protection, and firefighters continued to reinforce dozer fire lines on the north and south side of the fire and made improvements moving from west to east. Crews also engaged in line construction on the eastern side of the fire.
Overnight, crews were able to patrol and monitor the fire conditions and extinguish any problem areas of fire or heat.
Planned Activity: Today, crews will continue mop up work and improving and securing fire lines working towards containment. Crews will also focus on assessing road corridors and affected structures for hazard trees. Several Fire Departments will continue to provide structure protection throughout the fire area.
Aircraft are available to assist with water and fire-retardant drops. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established over the fire area. The TFR restricts aircraft from entering a designated area around the fire to ensure safety during firefighting operations. Do not fly unauthorized drones near the Flanders Fire. Remember - If you fly, we can't!
Closures: The road closure from County Road 11 in Cross Lake east to State Highway 6 will be reopening for public use at 12noon today. Reminder that the fire is still actively being worked on by fire crews, and to prioritize their and firefighter safety to try to avoid spending time in the area or if passing through be mindful of firefighting crews in the area.
Evacuations: Evacuations continue to remain in effect. Crow Wing County has implemented the Ready, Set, Go notification plan. Current evacuation information can be referenced on the Crow Wing County website at: https://www.crowwing.gov/1814/Wildfire-Update
Burning Restrictions: For current restrictions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html
Weather: Today, temperatures will be cooler with a high of around 60 degrees. The minimum humidity will be around 50%. Winds will be from the north today from 7-9 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph.
