Camp House Fire now 31% contained, reducing in size
The Camp House Wildfire is now 31% contained almost a week after it erupted in northern Minnesota.
The latest update from the Eastern Area Incident Management Team shows that the fire near Brimson has been contained on its south and northwest edges, and has reduced in size to 12,277 acres, down from almost 15,000 acres at its peak.
A cold Saturday "provided favorable conditions for crews and dozers to build containment lines on the south end and west side of the fire," the management team said,.
"Firefighters will continue to work from these areas to strengthen line on the east and north sides of the fire today," it added, though notes that "dead and distressed trees and downed power lines continue to pose significant hazards for firefighters."
The fire, which started last Sunday, has "not grown for the past four days," but there remain risks over the coming days, with dry conditions and "strong, shifting winds" forecast for the north of the state, with rain set to focus primarily on the southern half.The larger Jenkins Creek Fire remains 0% contained as of Sunday, and has grown slightly in recent days to 16,332 acres.
Focus remains on protecting the communities of Skibo and Hoyt Lakes from any possible spread, with firefighters and bulldozers focusing on the northwest and southern edges of the fire on Saturday.
The management team sats "prioritizing structure protection in this area will continue today in preparation for the return of potential drier and gustier conditions this week."
Homeowners in the evacuation zones are still being allowed to return to their properties during the day on Sunday, but must be out by the evening.
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MN wildfires: Progress continues in fight against Brimson Complex fire
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Jenkins Creek Fire was human-caused, initial investigation shows
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Unmanned Aerial Systems flew five flights during breaks in the wind, detecting areas with heat that were then attacked by ground crews. Today, additional firefighters will be moved from the Camp House Fire to the Jenkins Fire to make a push to connect existing containment lines. The heavy equipment that was working along the southern edge of the fire to masticate (chop up) large fallen debris into wood chips will progress north today. The debris that is chipped up will not burn as hot should fire reach the wood chippings. Over time, the woody chip debris will decompose quicker." * Started: May 11 * Acres: 12,071 * Location: 2 miles northeast of Brimson * Cause: Under investigation * Resources: 365 personnel * Containment: 73% * Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team notes: "Firefighters' steady effort in battling the Camp House Fire over the past week paid off as all existing lines held despite strong winds from the east. Overnight precipitation continued to aid in cooling the fire. Two hotshot crews will continue to work in some of the more challenging terrain to finish connecting portions of the containment line. Other crews will begin moving deeper into the interior from the southern end of the fire to find and put out any smoldering areas inside the containment line. The fire initially started on private land and moved into national forest system lands, and a Forest closure is still in effect." * Started: May 12 * Acres: 1,259 * Location: Southeast of Cotton * Cause: Under investigation * Resources: 9 personnel * Containment: 95% * Cloquet Area DNR Forestry notes: Firefighters are patrolling the area and mopping up isolated hotspots. No fire growth is expected, although high winds are a concern. The Wednesday forecast for the Brimson and Two Harbors area calls for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 56 degrees, with an east wind around 15 mph, gusting as high as 30 mph, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported. A gale warning was in effect Wednesday until 1 p.m. for the North Shore from Two Harbors to Duluth. A frost advisory was in effect from 1 to 9 a.m. Thursday for St. Louis and Lake counties, the NWS said. Temperatures could drop as low as 31 degrees. The forecast for Thursday is sunny, with a high near 65 degrees and a northeast wind around 5 mph. St. Louis and Lake counties will contact residents in their respective counties if they need to evacuate. * St. Louis County's "ready, set, go!" evacuation zone map denotes evacuation status in yellow, orange and red, along with recommended plans to protect residents and their property. * Lake County's "ready, set, go!" evacuation zone map denotes evacuation status in yellow, orange and red, along with recommended plans to protect residents and their property. Evacuation centers are no longer in operation. U.S. Forest Service hotline: 218-206-6805 United Way of Northeastern Minnesota For residents impacted in St. Louis County. It is working to establish a wildfire recovery fund. Immediate assistance is offered through its Comforts of Home program, which replaces lost items with referrals from agencies like the Red Cross and St. Louis County. All proceeds go to impacted community members. * Donate online: * Donate via mail: United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Head of the Lakes United Way For residents impacted in Lake County. All proceeds go to impacted community members. * Donate online: * Donate via mail: Head of the Lakes United Way, 314 W. Superior St. #750, Duluth, MN 55802; include a note indicating "wildfire relief."
