Published Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1945 hours PDT

STATE OF MINNESOTA (U.S.A.) — Three wildfires are currently burning in this State, which include the CAMP HOUSE, / JENKINS CREEK (BRIMSON COMPLEX), and the MUNGER SHAW FIRES. Due to all the overly perfect wildfire risk from dry and drought conditions, there have been multiple RED FLAG WARNINGS issued across several parts of the State.

All three wildfire incidents are under investigation, stated the MN DNR PIO.

A Temporary Flight Restriction or known as a TFR bars anyone from entering a restricted airspace to fly drones, personal aircraft or any other type of aviation assets, except for the Fire Service and the government.

Within the last 24 hours, via the National Interagency Fire Center, based out of Boise, Idaho (USA), there have been a reported number of 196 new fires. Three of them are considered as new large incidents, with one CIMT being committed to the incident(s).

Incident Cooperators

  • U.S. Forest Service (Lead Agency for Camp House & Jenkins Creek Fires)
  • St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (MN)
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)

As of 0700 hours this morning on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Eastern Area Complex IMT under IC Brian Jenkins took command of both fires, and this is now known as the Brimson Complex.

CAMP HOUSE FIRE

Photo Credit: Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Camp House Fire is located in the Two Harbors Region and managed by the MN DNR, about two miles northeast of Brimson, has burned about 14,979 acres of timber (grass, understory, and timber litter).

Photo Credit: T. Krueger via Inciweb

It still remains at a zero-percent containment status, from the time it started at 1336 hours on Sunday, May 11, 2025. They are expected to bring this to a total one-hundred percent contained fire by May 23, 2025.

There are approximately 200 total personnel, 32 engines, six dozers, 13 tenders, three tracked vehicles, and two helicopters from some of the Incident Cooperators represented:

  • Rice Lake VFD – The VFD sent a crew of two for night ops and a crew of six for daytime operations. This is generally for a 15-hour shift away from their respective homes.

Fire behavior has been observed as extreme with short crown runs and wind-driven runs, with group torching. The fire behavior is being driven by the budworm-killed timber.

There have been a total of 144 structures reported as destroyed.The total cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts has reached $725,000.

Evacuation Updates: St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (MN): Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SLCSOMN

JENKINS CREEK FIRE

The Jenkins Creek Fire is located in the Superior National Forest and is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service, however, the CIMT (EAIMT) is currently also managing this fire and the Camp House Fires as one collective incident. The third fire is being managed separately.

The Jenkins Creek Fire started on May 12, 2025.

Fire behavior for this wildfire has been observed as extreme with running, group torching, and short-ranging spotting. Fire has burned about 20,593 acres, and, it too is showing a zero-percent containment status.

No homes, outbuildings or other types of structures have been noted as being lost, but they are under a current threat. Evacuation orders are in effect for the town of Skibo and Hoyt Lakes.

About 23 total personnel are assigned to this incident, with five engines, three tenders, three tracked vehicles, and air support. A partial list gleaned from Social Media includes the following:

  • Eveleth FD
  • Gilbert FD

Cost-to-date has reached $650,000.

MUNGER SHAW FIRE

Photo Credit: Cotton VFD

The Munger Shaw Fire is located in the Cloquet Region, managed by the MN DNR, about two miles east of Elora Lake, which has burned about 1,300 acres and has a zero-percent containment status.

Fire behavior has been reported as active with crowning, running, and flanking.

Evacuation orders are in effect for Morley Beach Road, Pioneer Lake Comstock Road, west of Upper Bug Lake Road, East of Lily Lake, and North of Wood Tick.

A temporary shelter was opened by the American Red Cross, located at Cotton Community Center: 9087 Hwy 53.

There are currently 39 total personnel with four engines and two helicopters.

About two structures have been reported as lost, and the total cost to date has reached $800,000.

This is what the aftermath of a wildfire burning through a wooded area looks like, and by all means, you can see that it is not pretty one bit.

Photo Credit: Cotton VFD

Incident Cooperators:

  • Cotton VFD
  • Kelsey VFD
  • Northland FD
  • Grand Lake VFD

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