Nearly 100 firefighters from around the region traveled to the Breezy Point area to help control the Flanders Fire May 16-20. By Wednesday, May 20, the fire was 95 percent contained.

Containment increased to that level Tuesday evening due to the continued good work of the firefighters, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System.

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.

An aerial survey was completed Tuesday 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.

Wednesday, crews continued to assess for hazard trees and mop up any remaining hot spots along the fire perimeter. Crow Wing County Health and Emergency Management visited home owners 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 was preparing to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities at 7 a.m., on Thursday, May 21.

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. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is leading the investigation into what caused the Flanders Fire. The DNR reported on Tuesday it had located the origin of the fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake in Mission Township, southeast of Crosslake.

Allegedly, the source may have been a campfire and people of interest in connection with the fire have been identified who could face criminal charges.

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

Total Personnel: 91