Minnesota wildfires: 'Great progress' made on containment, but winds present risk
The latest update on the wildfires still burning in northern Minnesota say that "great progress" is being made on containment, but that risks are still present given gusty conditions early this week.
The Jenkins Creek Fire, the largest at over 16,000 acres, is partially contained for the first time since it broke out a week ago, with the Monday update from the Eastern Area Incident Management Team putting the fire at 6% contained.
The nearby Camp House Fire, which now covers an area of 12,277 acres, is considered 40% contained, up from 31% on Sunday.
A fire is considered partially or fully contained when responders have introduced "control lines" — natural or constructed barriers that the fire shouldn't realistically be able to cross.
"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," the management team said of the Camp House Fire.
"Hotshot crews and dozers were .. able to connect the line to both sides of Brimson Lake on the south end of the fire. On the north end, firefighters continued to build protection around structures and key infrastructure. This work will continue today with helicopter and drone support as well."
However, the management team notes caution ahead of potentially windy conditions as it pertains to the Jenkins Creek Fire, with protection of the nearby Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities still a priority.
"Great progress was made over the weekend as personnel took advantage of the cooler, wetter conditions," officials said of the Jenkins Creek Fire. "Firefighters continued to add existing hose lays and prioritize pre-emptive structure protection. Multiple hotshot crews are working the perimeter and interior of the fire. They will be supported by helicopters and drones to detect and catch flare-ups that may occur today."
According to the National Weather Service, winds could gusts over 30 mph in northeastern Minnesota on Monday. The HRRR model shows wind gusts in the affect area topping 30-40 mph Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
"As things [dry] out again, this could lead to near critical fire weather conditions, especially Monday through Wednesday when east winds will be at their strongest," the Duluth office of the National Weather Service says.
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