A Jeep wildfire was reported by the Nimrod lookout tower on Easter Sunday at 4:03 p.m. with immediate efforts to defeat a wide ranged fire. The fire occurred three miles South/Southwest of Nimrod, in which 1,400 acres were engulfed. DNR Forestry, Wadena Sheriff’s Department and fire departments from Sebeka, Verndale, Staples, Menahga and Wadena battled the fire. Efforts to eliminate the fire were also supported by 6 wild-land engines, 9 dozers, 5 all terrain track vehicles, 3 water bucket equipped helicopters and 3 CL-215 water scooping aircraft. Evacuations were ordered to protect citizens in the path of the fire. An attached garage on a residence and one mobile home used as a hunting shack was destroyed during the fire. Holding the fire within the dozed fire breaks will be the main task now, as well as mopping up all smoke within 150 feet of the perimeter breaks. Due to the strong gusty winds, the National Guard will be assisting the fire suppression efforts and will bring in two Black Hawk helicopters to the scene. These helicopters have a 660-gallon bucket capacity and are set to arrive Monday mid-morning. All open burning has been restricted with exceptions of recreation fires that are to be contained within a receptacle design. The public is reminded to be extremely cautious with any activities in the outdoors that could start any fires.
UPDATE: The fire has finally took its course as only little patches of smoke swarm the burnt area. The fire stretched approximately 2 miles down Country Road 26. Firefighters and personnels were able to put out the fire before it crossed over County Road 9, into the West Lyons Cemetery.
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