Evacuation orders remained in place Sunday in parts of Crow Wing County as crews continued to battle a wildfire that erupted Saturday.
The Flanders Fire started early Saturday afternoon amid dry, windy conditions near County Road 11 southeast of Crosslake — and has grown to close to 1,200 acres. Authorities said the fire was zero percent contained as of Saturday night.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Authorities closed County Road 11 between Crosslake and State Highway 6. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday that crews were working to evacuate areas east of East Horseshoe Lake Road and south of County Road 11.
The Crosslake Community Center was opened as a shelter for evacuees on Saturday night, offering food and a place to stay overnight.
In an update Saturday night, the sheriff’s office said fire crews and law enforcement personnel would continue to monitor the wildfire through the night.
“Please continue to avoid the area and allow emergency responders room to work safely,” the sheriff’s office said.
Crews also continued working Sunday to contain a second large wildfire in northern Minnesota — the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors. Authorities said that fire burned more than 30 buildings.
