Wildfire burning in eastern Minnesota, DNR closing portion of state forest

MINNEAPOLIS — A wildfire burning in eastern Minnesota has forced the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to close around 4,500 acres of a state forest.

The department says they're closing part of the Chengwatana State Forest , which is located in Pine and Chisago counties.

"The closure includes the area between the Chengwatana State Forest Road in the north to the Snake River in the south," the department said.

The fire, according to the department, is estimated at 140 acres. No infrastructure is in danger.

It's unknown how the fire started.

The department is asking people to not use drones in the area.

Gusty winds and the ongoing dry weather means fires can spread quickly. Mike Warnke with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry Wildfire Administration says coordination with multiple agencies were underway Thursday to ensure crews were in place to support communities if a fire spreads.