Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz surveys Two Harbors area wildfire damage
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday traveled to Two Harbors to see damage caused by wildfires ripping through the area, state officials said.
Two major wildfires devastated parts of northern Minnesota over the weekend; the Flanders Fire near Breezy Point has exceeded 1,600 acres and the Two Harbors fire has burned 355 acres.
As of Monday morning, crews have worked to contain 62% of the Two Harbors wildfire. According to the Minnesota Incident Command System, 34 structures have been lost so far. The 77 crew members will continue to extinguish pockets of heat and secure fire lines on Monday.
"Being here in Two Harbors, I'm grateful for the progress first responders have made to contain these fires and protect lives," Walz said on Monday. "These fires have disrupted communities and forced evacuations, but the coordinated response across local, state, and federal partners has made a real difference."
State officials said Walz met with wildfire crews, first responders and residents impacted by the blaze.
The Breezy Point area saw some rain Sunday, but it wasn't significant enough to have much impact on the fire conditions, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office. As of 11 a.m. Monday, the Flanders Fire is 20% contained, and 139 people are working to put it out.
Officials said County Road 11 near Breezy Point reopened at 12 p.m. and property owners in the evacuation area are being allowed to return to their homes for the day.
"The fire is still actively being worked on by fire crews, and to prioritize their and firefighter safety, try to avoid spending time in the area or, if passing through, be mindful of firefighting crews in the area," the interagency organization said regarding the reopening of the road.
Officials say U.S. Highway 61 near Two Harbors will be closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel.
A temporary flight restriction has been issued over the area of the fire near Breezy Point, the interagency organization said.
Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle the flames.
