Evergreen Forest fire 70% contained

October 23 Update: According to the Minnesota Incident Command System, the Evergreen Forest fire near Pine City is now 70% contained as of Wednesday, October 23. Firefighters are continuing to mop up on the fire and are working inward. The previous instated Emergency Closure Order remains in effect.

Original story: On Monday, October 21st, responding firefighting resources have begun removing and extinguishing burning vegetative material within 5-10 feet of the perimeter of the 167-acre fire within the Chengwatana State Forest near Pine City.

The Evergreen Forest Fire was reported on October 17, 2024, on the Chengwatana State Forest,
10 miles east of Pine City, MN. The fire is burning actively in hardwood timber with leaf litter, on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managed land. – Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS)

Resources continue the effort to secure the perimeter and decrease the potential for fire spread. Due to the current leaf drop, firefighters continue to monitor the area for potential blow-over across the containment lines.

The DNR has issued an Emergency Closure Order for the Chengwatana State Forest Road on the north, St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway boundary on the east, the Snake River on the south, and the full extent of the state forest west boundary.

This area is closed to the public until further notice, click here for additional closure information.

Firefighting resources plan to continue mopping up along the perimeter, moving inward to extinguish any hot spots. They will continue to monitor and act to suppress new developing smoke and hot spots caused by leaf fall. Tracked equipment is being used to traverse the difficult forest terrain.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Pine County Emergency Management have aided in the response to the fire.