Crow Wing County Authorities Seek Public Help Gathering Evidence in Flanders Fire

(KNSI) — Authorities in Crow Wing County are asking the public for help gathering evidence in the Flanders Fire.

The fire was reported on Saturday, May 16th, and investigators believe its origin was on the north shore of Flanders Lake. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, people of interest have been identified in connection with the fire, and officials are asking those with homes and cabins in the area to check their doorbell and trail cameras for any suspicious activity.

They’re asking residents and vacationers on the western side of state land along County Road 11 and Horseshoe Lake Road to look specifically at video from Friday, May 15th, through Sunday, May 17th.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DNR Conservation Officer Jordan Anderson at 218-639-0782.

As of Tuesday night, the fire had burned 1,685 acres and was 95% contained. Wildfire evacuation orders for the area have been lifted, and residents are being allowed in to check their properties, but the public is still asked to use extreme caution, as trees may have been weakened and could come down easily.

County Road 11 has reopened, but the public is asked to avoid the area unless they need to pass through. Minnesota Incident Command urges extreme caution when driving and to slow down, as firefighters are still on the ground assessing hazard trees and mopping up hotspots.

Despite recent rainfall, conditions remain dry across central Minnesota, and burn restrictions are in place. See the map here.

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