Detroit Lakes, MN (MinnesotaNow) - Authorities in northwestern Minnesota are reporting that three people were injured when tornadoes hit the Detroit Lakes area Monday evening.

Tornadoes Strike Detroit Lakes Area

The Becker County Sheriff's Office says the first reports of tornado activity came in around 7:30 p.m. and resulted in downed trees and power lines in an area north of Detroit Lakes. Approximately 45 minutes later, there was a report of a tornado on the ground in the Floyd Lake area.

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The Sheriff's Office says the report indicated there had been extensive damage, and responding deputies found heavy damage to homes, buildings, and trees in the affected area.

Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

Three People Injured in Becker County Storms

A news release says a home-to-home search was ordered, and two people were transported to a hospital in Detroit Lakes with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries. A third person was also taken to the hospital in a private vehicle.

Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Becker County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

Damage Assessment Process Underway

A shelter was established at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College campus in Detroit Lakes, and more than 30 affected residents have received assistance. Officials are beginning the process of assessing the damage caused by the tornadoes.

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The Largest Minnesota Wildfires In Modern History

While Minnesota has experienced even larger, more devastating fires like the 350,00-acre Hinckley Fire in 1884 of the 250,000-acre Cloquet-Moose Lake Fire in 1918, fires have thankfully been relatively smaller in more modern times.

Even though these more modern fires have been smaller, largely due to better firefighting capabilities, many have still been devastating and destructive. Here's a look at Minnesota's largest wildfires since 2007 based on information from the Minnesota Incident Command System.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper

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