EMBARRASS, Minn. (AP) — Crews are battling wildfires across northern Minnesota as dry conditions increase the fire danger.

Several hundred firefighters from 12 states are battling the fires.

One of the fires in St. Louis County east of Hoyt Lakes has burned about 1,000 acres and is 12 percent contained. The Minnesota Incident Command System says the blaze, known as the Skibo fire, has been burning since Friday. The cause is under investigation.

The St. Louis County sheriff's office says another fire broke out Saturday afternoon in a remote area of the Pike River in Embarrass. Several homes had to be evacuated as strong winds drove the flames. The fire was contained, and residents were allowed to return to their homes by 8 p.m. No homes were lost in the fire.

A fire near Finland on the North Shore has scorched about 160 acres. That fire was 50 percent contained by Sunday afternoon.

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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