Firefighters contain grass fire on Hwy 169; traffic reopens

Update: Firefighters have contained a grass fire that started near Mitchel Bridge on Highway 169 near Hibbing Tuesday afternoon according to Hibbing Fire Department Battalion Chief Andy Anderson. Traffic has also been reopened.

Anderson said departments were originally called to scene of a small grass fire around 1:00 p.m.

When en route to the fire, Anderson reports that the fire spread exponentially. He said this includes spreading to Scranton Scrap Yard where several tire piles caught fire. Anderson said those tire fires will be dealt with throughout the night, but that the fire has been contained.

At this time, it is believed the fire was caused by powerlines that were knocked down by heavy wind, but that still needs be confirmed by investigation.

Original story: Firefighters are battling a grass fire Tuesday afternoon near the Mitchell Bridge on Highway 169. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation website, the grass fire is between Spudville Road and Grace Road near Hibbing. The fire was reported just before 1 p.m.

Drivers should be aware of possible lane closures in this area as well as fire trucks and personnel.

According to the Northland Fire Wire, the fire has spread into a neighboring junk yard and thick black smoke and flames can be seen billowing into the sky.

Multiple fire departments have been called to assist with the fire.

This is a developing story and WDIO will update with additional information as soon as it becomes available.