REGIONAL: - While the Greenwood Fire grew slightly to nearly 27,000 acres last weekend, the blaze, located southwest of Isabella, was near 75-percent contained by midweek, and the number of fire fighters assigned to extinguish itwas reduced to about 300.
The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3 turned over command of the Greenwood Fire to the Type 3 Minnesota Incident Management Team C on Tuesday.
Ignited by lightning, and detected on Aug. 15, the fire started approximately ten miles southwest of Isabella. Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed on Aug. 23.
Last weekend and into this week, heavy equipment operators made progress along Highway 1 using chippers, soft tracked excavators and logging forwarders, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.
Some heat was found in the northeast corner of the fire and crews worked to secure that area. Crews patrolled and monitored along the Highway 2 corridor.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office opened Highway 2 between Highway 11 and Highway 1 to all traffic. Evacuation orders remain in place for the McDougal Lake area.
A Wildland Fire Module, consisting of nine firefighters, was inserted by boat into the fire area southeast of Greenwood Lake. That area is difficult to access and these firefighters remained there for several days, mopping up any hot spots and securing that edge, officials said.
Southeast of McDougal Lake, firefighters were using hoses to extinguish any pockets of heat. On the northeast corner, firefighters supported by tracked vehicles further secured the containment line.
Crews using heavy equipment will continue their work around Lake McDougal, removing hazard trees and making it safe for property owners to return to their homes when the work is complete.
Highway 1 is closed from the Highway 1 and Highway 2 intersection to Lankinen Road and only property owners with passes issued by the Sheriff’s Office may travel along the highway. Highway 2 is open to all traffic.
A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire. It extends across the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.