05/19/2026
🔥Flanders Fire Update🔥
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:30 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 along Highway 6 County: Crow Wing
Start Date: May 16, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 60% Total Personnel: 143
Key Messages: Very good progress continues to be made on the fire due to the hard work of firefighters. County Road 11 has been reopened, but the public is being asked to please keep avoiding the area unless you have a need to pass through. If it is necessary to enter the area, slow down and be extra mindful while driving as there are still firefighters in the area doing work. We are also asking that all media who want to visit the fire check-in at Incident Command at the Crosslake Fire Department or by calling the info line so we can es**rt you, for both your safety and firefighter safety.
Operation Update:
Excellent progress was made by firefighting crews yesterday and the fire is now at 60% containment. Crews continue to establish control lines with tracked vehicles and mop up hot spots. The Sheriff’s drone team was also able to launch several drones to better map the fire and help detect hot spots from the air. Crews also continued their assessment and mitigation of hazard trees with dozers and chainsaws.
Planned Activity: Crews will continue mop up work, improving containment lines, and continue their assessments of hazard trees in the area. With containment continuing to grow, firefighters and equipment are starting to be demobilized as the Incident Management Team prepares to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities.
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 Crosslake east to State Highway 6 is reopen for public use.
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: With significant progress made on the fire, all the evacuation orders and notices will be lifted at 12noon today and residents are welcome to return to their homes and properties.
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 50 degrees, with the possibility of frost tomorrow. The minimum humidity will be around 55 percent. Yesterday the area received 0.3 inch of rain.
