Single Publication

Evergreen Forest Fire Update
Sunday, October 20, 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

Fire Quick Facts
Size: 167 acres 

Location: Pine City, MN 

Resources: 3 engines, 2 dozers, and 3 tracked vehicles

Containment: 5% 

Cause: Under investigation 

Start Date: 10/17/2024 

Total Personnel: 40

Current Status: Yesterday, the fire received light precipitation that temporarily moderated fire behavior for that day. Fire behavior was observed as smoldering and creeping and fire crews were able to take advantage of the conditions to secure a line around most of the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety remain the main priorities for the incident. Available aerial resources may be utilized if fire activity increases. Fire reburn and spotting is a concern due to continue leaf drop inside and outside of the fire perimeter.

Closures: The DNR issued an Emergency Closure Order for public safety due to the fire. The closure area consists of 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, hunting, 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/

Planned Actions: With warmer and drier weather expected, crews will continue to hold and improve the perimeter of the fire. Though terrain and access to the fire has been challenging, tracked equipment is being used to traverse the difficult terrain. A 15-person module from New Mexico arrived on the fire today and additional resources are on order.

Background: 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.

National Weather Service Forecast & Smoke: Today-Sunny. High of 78. Relative humidity around 38. Southwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts to 20 mph. Tonight-Mostly clear. Low of 52. Southwest winds 5 mph, becoming light. Monday-Mostly sunny. High of 77. Southern winds, 5-10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust up to 15 mph later in the day. Air quality is forecasted for “good” for Sunday and Monday. https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air- water-land-climate/air-quality-forecast

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.