Wildfire Near Hoyt Lakes Now 21 Percent Contained

HOYT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — Firefighters are making progress as they work to contain a northern Minnesota wildfire that has consumed at least 1,000 acres in St. Louis County.

The Minnesota Incident Command System says the blaze, known as the Skibo fire, has been burning since Friday. Containment has grown from 12 percent Sunday to 21 percent Monday. About 140 firefighters from 12 states are working the fire east of Hoyt Lakes. It's the largest of several fires that broke out in northern Minnesota.

A fire near Finland has scorched about 160 acres. In north-central Minnesota, firefighters have contained a blaze near Lake George that burned 365 acres.

Officials say dry conditions will persist in northern Minnesota into the week with only minimal rainfall expected.

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