05/20/2026
5/20 9:30am Wildfire update from Minnesota Incident Command System MNICS. This will be the last Flanders Fire Update from MNICS unless fire conditions change.
Flanders Fire Update Wednesday, 5/20/26
MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Jeb Backe
Fire Information Line: 218-225-1711 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-flanders-fire
Flanders Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1,686 acres Origin: 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota County: Crow Wing Start Date: May 16, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 95% Total Personnel: 91
Key Messages: Containment increased to 95% yesterday evening due to the continued good work of the firefighters. County Road 11 has been reopened, but the public is asked to please avoid the area unless you have a need to pass through. If it is necessary to enter the area, slow down and be extra mindful while driving as there are still firefighters in the area doing work. The public should note that in the coming weeks they may still see lingering smoke in areas inside the fire perimeter. Firefighters strengthened containment lines 150 feet inwards from the edge of the fire, which acts as a barrier that keeps the fire from spreading. Beyond 150 feet, hot spots will likely be left to cool on their own because fire affected trees are a high danger and risk to firefighters within the interior of the fire area.
Operations Update:
Yesterday crews were able to use data gathered from an aerial survey completed by the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Drone Team to locate and extinguish hotspots on the fire line. Crews also continued work on dropping hazard trees where they could impact roads and property. Firefighters continued to actively mop up and secure the fire lines.
Planned Activity:
Today, crews will continue to assess for hazard trees and mop up any remaining hot spots along the fire perimeter. Crow Wing County Health and Emergency Management will be visiting homeowners inside the former evacuation zone to identify needs and help assess any impact the fire may have had on residents’ homes and property. With containment nearing completion, firefighters and equipment are continuing to be demobilized and the Incident Management Team is preparing to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities at 7am on May 21, 2026.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established over the fire area. The TFR restricts aircraft from entering a designated area around the fire to ensure safety during firefighting operations. Do not fly unauthorized drones near the Flanders Fire. Remember - If you fly, we can't!
Closures/Evacuations: There are no closures or evacuations in effect on this fire. Fire crews are still actively working on the fire, so we ask everyone to prioritize public and firefighter safety by trying to avoid spending time in the area or if passing through be mindful of firefighting crews working in the area.
Burning Restrictions: Despite recent rainfall, conditions remain dry in central Minnesota, and everyone needs to adhere to current burning restrictions found at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html
Weather: Temperatures will be chilly in the morning with a low of 33 eventually climbing to a high of 62. The minimum humidity will be around 31 percent, with sunny skies predicted.
If needed, future fire updates will be posted on the MNICS page https://www.facebook.com/mnics.org
Aerial Photo of Flanders Fire by Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Drone Team