INDEPENDENCE (AP) - A highway west of the Twin Cities has reopened following a 50-acre brush fire that was hazardous to travelers.

Firefighters from nine agencies spent the night keeping a close watch on the smoldering fire in a swamp filled with cattails and brush northwest of Maple Plain.

Fire Chief Justin McCoy says crews are stationed around the perimeter of the swap. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter was on standby to
drop water on the fire if needed.

The fire earlier closed Highway 12.

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