Crosby Fire update: Size increases to 210 acres, containment at 35%
Oct 10, 2025 10:42AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 10, 2025
***This post is now outdated. See the latest update here. ***
The Crosby Fire, burning in the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, about 10 miles southwest of Tofte near the Caribou River, is now estimated to be 210 acres with 35% containment, according to a 10 a.m. October 10th update from the Minnesota Incident Command Center.
Firefighters have made progress in containing the fire over the past two days. With improved perimeter access and GIS analysis, the size estimate of the fire has grown. Additionally, firefighters were able to establish a handline across the north edge of the fire, using leaf blowers and hand tools to clear vegetation, according to the Minnesota Incident Command Center. Water-scooping aircraft and a helicopter continued to help cool the heat along the perimeter.
Minimal overnight rain fell over the fire area, but it was not enough to extinguish it.
As reported earlier, a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park closed at 8:00 a.m. today due to the fire and a forecast of gusty northwest winds that could push the fire toward the trail. The trail is closed between the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest along Minnesota State Highway 61 to the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points. The state park remains open.
Image: MN Incident Command Center
Image: MN Incident Command Center
Today, October 10, firefighters will continue establishing the handline, supported by tracked vehicles. Water scooping aircraft will be used as necessary. Sunny conditions with highs in the upper 50s are expected, along with northwest winds of 10-20 mph, and gusts up to 30 mph in the forecast.
The Minnesota Incident Command Center reminded the public not to fly drones anywhere near the wildfire. "If drones are detected, all use of firefighting aircraft will stop," the organization said.
The Crosby Fire began on October 8, 2025, in a remote ridge area of the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, approximately 10 miles southwest of Tofte near the Caribou River. It was initially detected around 1:15 p.m. at an estimated 30-35 acres. By the morning of October 9, the fire was mapped at 50 acres with 0% containment, burning in mixed maple hardwoods and fall leaf litter. Later on October 9, the containment rose to 25%, and the size was updated to 160 acres before the current morning update. The cause remains undetermined.
