Single Publication

Evergreen Forest Fire - Fire Update

Saturday, October 19, 2024

MNICS Team C - Incident Commander-Mike Hill & Trainee-Ryan Williams 

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-evergreen-forest

Fire Information: 218-432-0953, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Email: 2024.evergreenforest@firenet.gov

Evergreen Forest Fire Quick Facts

Size: 167 acres                           Location: Pine City, MN                                                   Resources: 3 engines, 2 dozers,    

Containment: 5%                       Cause: Under investigation        and 3 tracked vehicles

Start Date: 10/18/2024                                                                Total Personnel: 26

Operations: At noon today, Minnesota Incident Command Team C took command of the fire.  

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. Firefighting resources are using a full suppression strategy with the assistance of aerial suppression of scoopers and helicopter bucket work as needed. Firefighter and public safety are the main priorities.

The DNR has issued an Emergency Closure Order area yesterday for public safety due to Evergreen Forest Fire. The closure area includes all land between the Chengwatana State Forest Road on the north, the St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway boundary to the east, the Snake River on the south and the full extent of the state forest west boundary. The area is closed to the public until further notice, including dispersed camping, recreational trail riding, hiking and other activities. The Snake River Campground, south of the Snake River, is unaffected by the fire and is open. Additional closure information is available on the Inciweb page and the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) website:https://mnics.org/wpress/dnr-temporarily-closing-a-portion-of-chengwatana-state-forest-due-to-wildfire/

Access to the fire is extremely challenging, thus firefighters are using tracked vehicles. Fire reburn and spotting is a concern due to continue leaf drop inside and outside of the fire perimeter. The area is experiencing long-term drying and drought conditions due to a significant lack of precipitation. The fire did receive .01” of rain in the last 24 hours. Availability of additional resources remain challenging with a state Preparedness Level of 4, and a National Preparedness Level of 4. 

National Weather Service Forecast: Today-a 80% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy with a high near 62. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts of 15 mph. Tonight-Partly cloudy with a low of 45. Southwest wind around 5mph. Tomorrow-Sunny, high of 77. Southwest wind 5-10mph, with gusts of 25 mph.

Smoke: Moderate for today and good for tomorrow. For more information: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality-forecast

Air Operations: Aircraft are available and may be brought in to help support firefighting efforts. A reminder - flying drones over the fire is prohibited. If drones are detected near the fire, any air operations supporting the fire will stop.

Cooperating Agencies: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and mutual aid from Pine County Emergency Management.