Backus Fire Department

07/16/2026

Shout out to LMNT, and whoever nominated us for receiving a hydration box. Thank you! These packets will be very helpful keeping our crew hydrated while out working on whatever emergency comes our way! DrinkLMNT

05/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FPtwCsHAi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We continue to receive so many messages asking how people can help and support during the Flanders Fire. ❤️

There are SO many different fire departments that have helped with the fire. At this time, our food and beverage supplies remain strong thanks to the incredible generosity of our communities and the personnel serving the fire has lessened. If you are still hoping to financially support those involved, one meaningful way to help is by donating directly to your individual local fire department relief association.

Donations directly to each local relief associations help support departments through updated and replacement equipment, additional training opportunities, resources, and continued support for firefighters serving their communities.

Another great way to support is by attending your local fire department events and fundraisers this summer. Your support at these events truly makes a difference and helps departments continue the important work they do every day.

Thank you again for continuing to show up for one another. The support from our communities has been nothing short of incredible. 🚒🔥

05/19/2026

5/19/2026 9:30 AM update

5/19 9:30am Wildfire update from Minnesota Incident Command System MNICS

Flanders Fire Update
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Jeb Backe
Fire Information Line: 218-225-1711 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-flanders-fire

Flanders Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1,666 acres Origin: 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota along Highway 6 County: Crow Wing
Start Date: May 16, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 60% Total Personnel: 143

Key Messages: Very good progress continues to be made on the fire due to the hard work of firefighters. County Road 11 has been reopened, but the public is being asked to please keep avoiding the area unless you have a need to pass through. If it is necessary to enter the area, slow down and be extra mindful while driving as there are still firefighters in the area doing work. We are also asking that all media who want to visit the fire check-in at Incident Command at the Crosslake Fire Department or by calling the info line so we can es**rt you, for both your safety and firefighter safety.

Operation Update:
Excellent progress was made by firefighting crews yesterday and the fire is now at 60% containment. Crews continue to establish control lines with tracked vehicles and mop up hot spots. The Sheriff’s drone team was also able to launch several drones to better map the fire and help detect hot spots from the air. Crews also continued their assessment and mitigation of hazard trees with dozers and chainsaws.

Planned Activity: Crews will continue mop up work, improving containment lines, and continue their assessments of hazard trees in the area. With containment continuing to grow, firefighters and equipment are starting to be demobilized as the Incident Management Team prepares to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established over the fire area. The TFR restricts aircraft from entering a designated area around the fire to ensure safety during firefighting operations. Do not fly unauthorized drones near the Flanders Fire. Remember - If you fly, we can't!

Closures: The road closure from County Road 11 in Crosslake east to State Highway 6 is reopen for public use.
Reminder that the fire is still actively being worked on by fire crews, and to prioritize their and firefighter safety to try to avoid spending time in the area or if passing through be mindful of firefighting crews in the area.

Evacuations: With significant progress made on the fire, all the evacuation orders and notices will be lifted at 12noon today and residents are welcome to return to their homes and properties.

Current evacuation information can be referenced on the Crow Wing County website at: https://www.crowwing.gov/1814/Wildfire-Update

Burning Restrictions: For current restrictions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Weather: Today, temperatures will be cooler with a high of around 50 degrees, with the possibility of frost tomorrow. The minimum humidity will be around 55 percent. Yesterday the area received 0.3 inches of rain.

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Most recent update

The Flanders Fire is now estimated to be 20% contained, according to our Public Information Officer.

In the wildfire world, “contained” does not mean the fire is out. Containment refers to the percentage of the fire perimeter where crews believe they have established control lines that can hold the fire from spreading beyond those areas. There is still active fire burning within the perimeter, and crews will continue working throughout the night hitting hotspots and monitoring conditions.

• County Road 11 remains closed and will continue to be closed for tomorrow morning traffic. This could change later tomorrow, but please plan accordingly for your morning commute.

• The overnight center at the Community Center is open tonight, but will move to the Log Church tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

• Our Ready, Set, Go evacuation plan remains the same as yesterday and has not changed.

We truly have an amazing community. Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming support being shown to first responders, evacuated residents, and all those impacted by this wildfire.

Please continue to stay up to date by following the Crow Wing County page for official updates.

05/17/2026

UPDATE – FLANDERS FIRE

Fire crews continue to actively work the Flanders Fire throughout the day. At this time, the evacuation area has not changed.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and responding fire agencies will continue to monitor conditions closely. If the evacuation area changes, the public will be notified immediately.

Please continue to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel the space needed to safely operate.

Here is a link to a map that is regularly updated...https://egp.wildfire.gov/maps/?regionId=Nation&dimension=2d&lat=46.603588&lon=-94.064724&zoom=13&fbclid=IwY2xjawR2ts5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFreWhsZFFYellBMGxHUG51c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm3y6k6s3MZdpGpKF9aN9tfghcbxW13ysOPBA0jseHz_aXGQlWtoLbAmxeHO_aem_yBFTapLErP6xyl6wrT1waA

We appreciate the continued cooperation and support from the community.

05/17/2026

🚨 WILDFIRE UPDATE 🚨

Fire crews and law enforcement personnel will continue to monitor the wildfire throughout the night.

Residents in affected areas should remain alert and prepared for possible evacuation notifications if conditions change.

Residents who have already been evacuated will NOT be allowed back into the area until emergency personnel determine it is safe to return. This is being done to protect both the public and responding crews as fire conditions remain unpredictable.

We appreciate the cooperation and patience of everyone affected by this incident. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Please continue to avoid the area and allow emergency responders room to work safely.

05/17/2026

Please do not burn when under a red flag and it’s so dry out. Please stay clear of the areas effect so we can do our job safely.

05/16/2026