Crews Get a Handle on Crosby Fire Now 70% Contained

(KNSI) — A fire burning inside George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is now 70% contained, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System.

The latest update says firefighters with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Superior National Forest are continuing to make good progress on containing the 300 acre blaze. On Sunday, a hose line was installed, allowing crews to pump water into the fire area and cool down remaining hotspots. A helicopter also helped with water drops throughout the day. Monday, firefighters will be improving and checking the containment line and mopping up hot spots with assistance from three Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Iowa crews.

A section of the Superior Hiking Trail inside the park remains closed between the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest on Highway 61 and the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points. The rest of the state park remains open.

The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning. It started on October 8th and was found smoldering and creeping in mixed hardwoods and leaf litter.

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