Crosby fire update: Containment reaches 95%; Superior Hiking Trail reopening announced
Oct 15, 2025 06:11PM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 15, 2025
Significant progress has been made in containing the Crosby Fire within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, with 95% contained, according to an October 15 update from the Minnesota Incident Command Center (MNICC). The lightning-caused fire, which has burned approximately 300 acres in a remote ridge area, approximately 10 miles southwest of Tofte, has remained stable due to the consistent efforts of fire crews and favorable weather conditions.
The closed section of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), which runs between the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest and the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points, is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, October 16, at 8:00 a.m. However, officials have issued an urgent safety warning to the public as the area reopens. Hikers are "encouraged to stay on the trail... for their safety," as crews are still working in the vicinity. Additionally, the fire has weakened numerous trees, posing a danger of falling.
The George H. Crosby Manitou State Park has remained open throughout the incident.
On-The-Ground Operations and Public Safety Firefighters are currently focused on mopping up hot spots and actively maintaining the containment lines, a task that has been assisted by recent favorable weather and a high chance of precipitation expected on Thursday.
Officials continue to remind people not to fly drones over or near the wildfire area. "If drones are detected, all use of firefighting aircraft will stop," the MNICC stated.
