SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Sunday afternoon at approximately 3 p.m., a fire was discovered near Greenwood Lake, approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella in the Superior National Forest. Since then, the fire has rapidly spread to several hundred acres, while crews are working to suppress the fire on the ground and from the air. Yesterday, the US Forest Service closed the following recreation areas effective immediately:
• McDougal Lake Campground
• McDougal Lake Boat Ramp
• McDougal Lake Picnic Area
• McDougal Lake Trailhead and Trail
Representative Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) urged residents and visitors to follow all necessary precautions and be safe.
“As crews work to get the Greenwood Lake Fire under control, right now it’s critically important for folks to listen to directives from the Forest Service and public safety personnel and prepare to evacuate if you’re in the affected area,” Rep. Ecklund said. “Fire danger must be taken seriously. With the drought continuing, Minnesotans need to exercise abundant caution to protect natural resources, property, and people. All it can take is one stray ember to start a massive fire. I also want to thank all the first responders from local, state, and federal agencies who are putting themselves in harm’s way to control this urgent situation.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the State Emergency Operations Center, and partners at Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, including the Forest Service, are all working together to control the fires. Lake County public safety officials are taking the lead on evacuations, and Governor Tim Walz has authorized support from the Minnesota National Guard.