Wildfire in Northern Minnesota Growing

(Lake County, MN) -- A rapidly growing wildfire in northeastern Minnesota has expanded to at least 1,500 acres and prompted evacuations.

The fire was originally spotted around 3 p.m. Sunday near Greenwood Lake, about 15 miles southwest of Isabella, in the Superior National Forest. Authorities ordered cabin and property owners in the area just to the north around McDougal Lake to evacuate Monday and closed nearby recreation areas, campgrounds and boat launches. There were reports of extensive ash and smoke along Minnesota Highway 1.

Governor Walz has authorized the National Guard to step in to help for at least the next two weeks to get things under control.