Image: KBJR-TV

By Peter Kvietkauskas of KBJR-TV - August 27, 2021

The Greenwood Fire has currently burned nearly 26,000 acres, which leaves many people wondering about the status of their homes, cabins, or favorite recreation area.

That is where a new online Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) Map comes into play.

The map developed by Matthew Goodman, a G.I.S. principal with St. Louis County, said the new interactive map was born out of necessity.

“We’re getting many questions from property owners in the area who were curious about their particular properties. They asked if we could develop an app so the homeowners could look it up for themselves,” said Goodman.

The map, which shows evacuation zones, road closures, and trail closures, was a team effort amongst St. Louis and Lake Counties Emergency Management Teams and the US Forest Service.

“Thankfully, one thing I have noticed is that cooperation and collaboration between the emergency managers in northeast Minnesota is really strong,” said Goodman.

The interactive map has had nearly 26,000 views in a little more than a week since it has been up. For Goodman, he is happy to help out in any small way he can.

“We are surrounded by people professionally who are doing amazing and important things. It is nice to see that it is helpful and hear some recognition from it. There are plenty of people whose efforts go unrecognized but are doing far more important and impressive work than I am,” said Goodman.

Click here for a full view of this latest fire map technology.  

To see the video report of this story and related articles, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://kbjr6.com/2021/08/27/new-map-app-now-available-for-accurate-scope-on-greenwood-fire/