Posted at: 10/02/2012 7:33 PM
Updated at: 10/02/2012 8:02 PM

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Wildfire Prompts Evacuations in NW Minnesota Town

KARLSTAD, Minn. (AP) - A wildfire that destroyed several homes and forced evacuations in the far northwestern Minnesota town of Karlstad is now contained.
    
Assistant Karlstad Fire Chief Sam Grandstrand says Tuesday evening "things are under some control" and the fire is no longer advancing on the town.
    
Grandstrand estimates about half of the town of 750 was evacuated. He says the evacuations will continue for now.
    
Spokeswoman Jean Goad of the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says the fire destroyed six to eight homes in the Karlstad area, but no deaths or injuries are reported.
    
Ground crews will continue working on the fire until midnight. Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered a third Minnesota National Guard helicopter to help battle the fire.

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