Flanders

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Flanders Fire ignited early Saturday afternoon, May 16, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m. near Flanders Lake in Mission Township. The fire is located about 4 miles southeast of Crosslake and 10 miles east of Breezy Point along Highway 6 in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
Size and Containment: As of Monday evening, May 18, 2026, the fire has burned an estimated 1,666 acres and is 60% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire erupted and spread rapidly due to dry, windy conditions and low humidity. It grew to 600 acres by Saturday evening and reached 1,200 acres by Sunday morning before expanding to its current size. A multi-year drought in the region has left trees and fallen logs tinder-dry, providing ample fuel for the fast-moving fire.
Containment Efforts: A Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on Sunday morning. Multiple local fire departments, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Crow Wing County are responding with approximately 100 personnel. Firefighters, supported by bulldozers, tracked vehicles with water tanks, and multiple aircraft making water and fire-retardant drops, have successfully built and improved containment lines on the north and south sides of the fire. Crews are currently engaged in "mop-up" operations to extinguish hot spots near the fire lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Evacuation orders were issued for areas east of East Horseshoe Lake Road and south of County Road 11. Residents within the evacuation area were allowed to briefly return to their properties on Monday for the day.
Evacuation Warnings: Crow Wing County has implemented the "Ready, Set, Go" notification plan for nearby residents to remain on alert.
Estimated Number of People Impacted: Approximately 30 people have been displaced from their homes due to the evacuations.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The overnight shelter for residents affected by the fire transitioned from the Crosslake Community Center to the Log Church at 8:00 a.m. on Monday. The Temporary Emergency Point support center was subsequently closed Monday evening as conditions improved.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• County Road 11 was closed from County Road 3 in Crosslake east to State Highway 6, but reopened for pass-through traffic at noon on Monday, May 18.
• The public is heavily advised to avoid the area for their own safety and to allow fire crews room to work.
• No widespread school or infrastructure closures have been reported outside of the immediate road closures and shelter transitions.

For more information on evacuations and road closures, visit:

• Crow Wing County Official Website
• Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS)
• InciWeb - Flanders Fire Information

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, there have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the Flanders Fire.
Structures Impacted: As of Monday, the fire has not destroyed any homes or primary structures. However, some homes experienced melted siding or had fire retardant dropped on them. Officials note that a few secondary structures, such as sheds and outbuildings, as well as one old-school, hand-built cabin, have burned.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been reported at this time.
Notable Impacts: The severe wildfire activity prompted Governor Tim Walz to declare a peacetime emergency to protect lives and support evacuations. Additionally, the Crow Wing County Board declared a local emergency to expedite state disaster aid and funding for residents and businesses.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in relation to this incident.
Burn Bans: Officials have stressed that it is "not a time to do any outdoor burning." Residents are urged to adhere to all local fire restrictions due to the extreme fire danger.
Air and Water Quality: Smoke billowing from the fire has impacted local air quality. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, should monitor local air quality advisories and stay indoors if smoke is heavy. No water safety issues have been reported.
Other Health Risks: Hazards still exist within the burned fire area and evacuation zones, including damaged trees that could pose a falling risk.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 60% contained. This means firefighters have created lines they believe will keep the flames from spreading around 60% of the fire's perimeter. Crews will continue to assess, hold, and strengthen the bulldozer containment lines. Firefighters are working along these lines to "mop up" and extinguish areas of flame and pockets of heat to prevent the fire from crossing the lines or flaring up.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Weather conditions moderated significantly on Sunday and Monday, aiding firefighting efforts. Higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures (around 60 degrees), and lighter winds from the east at 9-14 mph (with gusts up to 26 mph) have helped calm the fire's behavior and allowed crews to work directly along the fire's edge.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Flanders Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire was initially fueled by Red Flag Warning conditions, characterized by high winds and low relative humidity. Furthermore, a drought spanning multiple years has left the region's vegetation, including trees and fallen logs, tinder-dry. These extreme, dry climate conditions created an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly.

For more information, visit:

• Crow Wing County Wildfire Updates
• MNICS Flanders Fire Information
• InciWeb - Flanders Fire