Evergreen Forest Fire continues to smolder inside Minnesota's Chengwatana State Forest
PINE CITY, Minn. — Crews continue to battle a smoldering wildfire in east-central Minnesota's Chengwatana State Forest.
Officials with the Minnesota Incident Command System say the Evergreen Forest Fire, which has scorched 167 acres so far, was first reported on Thursday just east of Pine City, about 70 miles northeast of the Twin Cities.
The fire is 20% contained as of Tuesday and is still "smoldering and creeping," according to officials, who say falling autumn leaves are adding "more fine vegetative fuel to the fire."
No buildings are currently at risk, and the public is asked to refrain from flying drones in the area.
Officials say thundershowers are possible on Tuesday which may bring "gusty and erratic winds."
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which manages Chengwatana, has closed about 4,500 acres until further notice, including several areas bordering the forest:
- Chengwatana State Forest Road to the north
- The Snake River to the south
- St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway to the east
- The "full extent of the state forest west boundary"
The Snake River Campground, located south of the forest, is still open to the public.
Pine County's emergency management team is assisting with the firefighting effort, along with members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.