UPDATED: Residents allowed to return home after wildfire south of Bemidji

BEMIDJI -Residents forced out of their homes south of Bemidji after a wildfire Tuesday afternoon have been told it is safe to return.

Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to a wildfire burning near Union Road in Hubbard County.

According to an email from Beltrami County Emergency Services Management, the fire has been contained and "residents can return to their homes per Bemidji Fire Chief David Hoefer. Please let all citizens know it is safe to return."

Air assets were deployed, along with officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Bemidji Fire Department and sheriff's deputies from Beltrami and Hubbard counties.

The fire began west and south of Rosby corner, south of Beltrami Line Road.

The email said the fire forced the closure of the road at County Road 402/Polk Avenue Southest and North Plantangent Road Southwest (County Road 2) for now.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution and stay away from the area.