Latest news with #BrimsonComplex
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
MN wildfires: Brimson Complex fire remains uncontained, Munger Shaw fire 50% contained
The Brief Crews are still working to contain the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires that make up the Brimson Complex zone. The Munger Shaw fire is 50% contained as of Saturday morning. Residents and property owners are being given temporary access to the area during two-hour windows this weekend. BRIMSON, Minn. (FOX 9) - Authorities say the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires that make up the Brimson Complex zone have not spread, but are still uncontained. Property owners will have a chance to enter the Brimson Complex zone during a two-hour window on Sunday after authorities granted limited access on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Munger Shaw fire is under 50% containment and evacuation orders for that fire zone have been lifted. READ MORE: Minnesota wildfires maps: Evacuation areas, latest information By the numbers Authorities released the following information on how much land burned in the northern Minnesota wildfires as of Saturday morning: Camp House fire: 14,805 acres (Down from nearly 15,000 acres after improved mapping) Jenkins Creek fire: 16,281 acres (Up from 15,571 acres stated on Friday, but down from previously 20,000 acres after improved mapping) Munger Shaw fire: 16,000 acres (Estimated burned acreage remains the same, fire is now 50% contained, up from 25% contained on Friday) 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. READ MORE: MN state leaders surveying damage after days of historic wildfires What caused the fires? The official cause of each fire is still being investigated, but the St. Louis County Sheriff shared the following from investigators: The Camp House fire is believed to have been caused by an unattended camp fire and the DNR has identified the person who started the fire. The Jenkins Creek fire may have started with a discarded cigarette along Highway 16, as it began near a roadway. The Munger Shaw fire appears to have started with a bail of hay that caught fire and quickly spread, despite the homeowner calling 911 immediately. Dig deeper Fire crews are still prioritizing the protection of the communications tower east of Bassett Lake. Bulldozers have reportedly advanced containment lines on the south end and the west side of the fire. Firefighters plan to "implement direct attacks" in those zones when conditions permit. Hazards in fighting the fire include distressed balsam and aspen as well as downed power lines. "Hot shot" crews are targeting smoldering areas. Officials say the fire has not grown in the past three days. Firefighters plan to have additional aircraft support operations on Saturday if weather permits. Dig deeper Officials say recent rain "brought a reprieve" from much of the fire. Crews are still prioritizing the protection of Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities. Firefighters, assisted by bulldozer crews, are working to extend the fire containment lines along the northwest edge and southern anchor point of the fire. Authorities are also preparing for warmer and drier air that will come with windy conditions that are expected to arrive mid-week. No fire spread was reported on Friday. Dig deeper Firefighters said in an update shared on Saturday, May 17, that they made progress in containing 50% of the fire, up from 25% reported on Friday. Crews say they now plan to secure containment by patrolling the fire's edge to mop up lingering hotspots, such as smoldering stumps. Firefighters are also removing trees that pose safety hazards while searching for smoke and cooling heat pokers of unburdened fuel with water and stirring the embers. Evacuations and road closures have been rescinded for the Munger Shaw Fire, but not for the Camp House or Jenkins Creek fires. The Source This story uses information shared by the Eastern Area Incident Management Team, The Minnesota Incident Command System, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and past FOX 9 reporting.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
MN wildfires: Authorities granting temporary access to Brimson Complex zone Saturday and Sunday
The Brief Authorities are allowing residents and property owners to temporarily return to evacuation zones in the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fire areas. Access is only allowed from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday. Those who wish to enter must be prepared to show proof of property ownership. MINNESOTA (FOX 9) - Residents and property owners are being given temporary access to evacuation zones near the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires, together known as the Brimson Complex, during two-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday. Access will be granted from 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, May 17, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 18. What they're saying Anyone who owns property in the Bimson Complex zone and wishes to enter the area is required to check in with St. Louis County deputies beforehand. Authorities are staged at the intersection of Highway 44 and Two Harbors-Brimson Road for the Camp House fire area. The Jenkins Creek fire area can be accessed through the checkpoint at County Road 16 and Forest Highway 11. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said proof of property ownership must be provided to deputies before accessing the area and everyone must check out with deputies when they leave the evacuation zone. Those who venture into the area are advised to be vigilant and cautious and be aware of hazards in the area, including downed trees. READ MORE: MN state leaders surveying damage after days of historic wildfires The Source This story used information shared by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, state authorities and past FOX 9 reporting.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Minnesota National Guard "honored" to aid in wildfire battle
The grim fight against the northeastern Minnesota wildfires continue on Thursday, with hundreds of evacuations and thousands of acres destroyed. On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz activated a team of 20 Minnesota National Guard members to support the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in its battle against the flames. They are now stationed in Two Harbors. Cpt. Sydney Boe says morale is high as she and her fellow guard members work to contain two of the largest fires from the sky: the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires, collectively called the "Brimson Complex." "It's been long days," Boe said. "It's very mentally and physically taxing just controlling the aircraft with all the winds and trying to get it in the right spot for the drops that the DNR wants, as well as just looking out for other aircraft, having that positive crew communication the entire time. So it is taxing, but like I said, we're honored to be here." The guard is working with a total of four helicopters, each with the capability of picking up and dumping 600 gallons of water at a time. "It's what most of us signed up for is to be able to help, and especially help out in our community is really important," Boe said. As of Thursday morning, the three fires in St. Louis County have burned a combined 37,000 acres, and there is zero containment. "It's taken off and it's hard to see, hard to watch," said Nate Skelton, division commander of the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office. "But the fact of the matter is yeah, the conditions are right. And I haven't seen one take off and move as quickly as this one." Rain is in the forecast on Thursday, hopefully providing some relief for firefighting efforts. Interactive maps show how far the fires have spread since the weekend. How you can help Donations to support relief for Lake County community members can be made online through the Head of the Lakes United Way. Donations can also be mailed to Head of the Lakes United Way (please note it's for wildfire relief): 314 W. Superior St. #750, Duluth, MN 55802. Donations to support relief for St. Louis County community members can be made online through the United Way Northeastern Minnesota.
