MN wildfires: Camp House, Jenkins Creek fires partially contained after weekend battle
BRIMSON, Minn. (FOX 9) - Three wildfires in northern Minnesota continue to burn, with both the Brimson Complex and Munger Shaw fires having some containment.
Wildfire overview
Minnesota wildfires still burning after a week
FOX 9's Cody Matz shares the latest on the wildfires in northern Minnesota that have been burning for more than a week.
Big picture view:
The latest update from fire officials shows the Jenkins Creek fire is at more than 16,000 acres and 6% contained. The nearby Camp House fire is at 40% containment and the Munger Shaw fire is at 95% containment. Cooler and calmer weather helped slow the spread of the flames over the weekend.
Officials said these fires have destroyed more than 150 structures, including about 30 year-round homes. The Red Cross is helping fire victims by providing supplies and shelters.
Information on Lake County evacuations and road closures can be found here, while information on St. Louis County road closures and evacuations can be found here.
Camp House fire
What we know:
The Camp House wildfire started around 1 p.m. on May 11 in Ault Township, about two miles northeast of Brimson, Minnesota.
In an update on May 19, authorities say the Camp House fire is just over 12,000 acres and is 40% contained. The fire has not grown in the past several days.
"Great progress was made all along the fire’s perimeter and more handcrews arrived today, allowing other crews to be moved to active areas of the Jenkins Fire," said the Eastern Area Incident Management Team.
Jenkins Creek fire
What we know:
The Jenkins Creek Fire started on May 11 near Hoyt Lakes, just north of the Camp House wildfire. The fire was detected east of County Road 110 and north of County Road 16 near Jenkins Creek.
In a May 19 update, officials say the Jenkins Creek wildfire remains over 16,000 acres and is now 6% contained. Firefighters are still prioritizing the protection of the Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities.
Firefighters made "great progress" over the weekend with the cooler and wetter conditions. Firefighters are preparing for potentially drier and gustier conditions later in the week.
Crews are continuing to work the perimeter and interior of the fire. Air support, including helicopters and drones, will be used to help detect and catch flare-ups that may happen on Monday.
Munger Shaw fire
What we know:
The Munger Shaw Fire developed on the afternoon of May 12 in Cotton Township, about 25 miles southwest of the Camp House fire.
In a May 19 update, the Munger Shaw fire is around 1,600 acres and 95% containment, up from the 50% containment on Saturday.
Evacuation orders for the fire were rescinded Thursday night.
Drones have been deployed to assist firefighters. Authorities emphasized that public drone use near a wildfire is illegal, as it poses a serious risk to pilot safety.
Ways to help
What you can do:
People are encouraged to donate to the Wildland Fire Federation or the American Red Cross, the Minnesota Incident Command System said.
The St. Louis County sheriff said donations can also be made to United Way Duluth.
The Source: This story uses updated information from the Eastern Area Incident Management Team, and past FOX 9 reporting.