Crews battle forest fire in Itasca County

Five fire departments along with air and ground crews from the Minnesota DNR battled a forest fire Thursday afternoon in Itasca County. According to Northland Fire Wire, the fire was along County Road 52 near Little Bear Lake. The flames burned nearly 55 acres of land. Firefighters from Bearville, Bigfork, Balsam Township, French Township, and Nashwauk assisted in protecting structures in the area. Crews are expected to return to the area in the coming days to continue cleanup efforts.