Latest news with #MicahBell
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Wildfire-stricken Minnesota communities rally as blazes sustain 1 week on
Cool weather has provided a boost to crews fighting the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. But after more than a week since the fires began, the fight is far from over. The two largest wildfires — the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires — are still blazing, and St. Louis County is now in a state of emergency and disaster. St. Louis County is also among several northeastern counties under a red flag warning until Tuesday night due to "strong winds and low humidity levels," according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires finally have some containment — 6% and 40%, respectively — while the Munger Shaw Fire is almost fully contained, according to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. Overall, more than 30,000 acres have been scorched in the northland, and more than 150 buildings have been destroyed. As the two largest fires rage on near Brimson, the community gathered on Monday evening at Aurora-Hoyt Senior High School. With so much uncertainty, it was an opportunity for displaced people and those in evacuation zones to get some clarity. "On the map they kind of showed us where they're at and how they do things and the progress they've made and the factors that play into that, because to be honest, I had no idea about fires or how you fight them or anything," said Brad Engstrom, of Hoyt Lakes. Some homeowners evacuated from the Camp House Fire were allowed to return to their properties, but with a warning they may have to leave again. "Get people to stand in front of the maps, show us where your property's at, talk about what's going on and answer questions directly and try to get them the help that they need," said Micah Bell, of the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. Meanwhile, businesses up north are banding together to support the hundreds of firefighters putting in long hours. Competitors are even joining forces to help feed crews on the front lines and behind the scenes. Businesses are joining forces to help feed crews on the front lines and behind the scenes. One market has delivered more than 750 box lunches, while a barbecue restaurant has served 300 firefighters. "They were looking for caterers to do it. Of course we said yes. I'll be honest, I like started tearing up, it was awesome," said Paul Sapyta, owner of Room at the Table Catering. "They were like, 'No one has ever done this.' And it was really, really cool to hear that and get closer to my competitors." 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.
CBS News
18-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fires still raging, homeowners able to see damage for the first time
Families see the devastation from the Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fire Families see the devastation from the Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fire Families see the devastation from the Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fire Homeowners are getting a chance to see the destruction done by fast-moving fires that have been burning all week in the northland. The Jenkins Creek fire started Monday and has grown to be the largest, torching more than 16,000 acres. The Camp House fire started Sunday burning more than 14,000 acres. The Munger Shaw fire is 50 percent contained charring 1600 acres. At least 150 buildings have been destroyed. But a welcome sign of relief — homeowners were able to temporarily go back in, to grab the things that matter most to them. Micah Bell of the National Interagency Fire Center says zero percent containment of the fires won't last much longer. "They have certainly dampened the fire — they have not by any means put it out, but they have reduced fire intensity — allowing firefighters on the ground, especially on the north and west fire —especially on the Jenkins fire, to really get in the fire," said Bell. "That's saying that the fire intensity is low enough right now that it's safe for them to go in unescorted." But as fire season continues, so does the uncertainty of what it will take to put the fires out entirely. "It's going to be a while before this thing is out," said Bell. "It all depends. Fire is the most dangerous, non-predictable thing we deal with. We can only predict so much, the weather can predict so much, we can predict so much about fire behavior, but we can't get complacent just because of the conditions we're seeing." In the meantime, crews are working 16-hour days with little rest. Crews say one thing that's been overwhelming in a good way — the outpouring of donations. They say they've had so many at incident command — they're asking anyone looking to help to offer their support to the United Way or Red Cross.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Saturday latest on the Jenkins Creek, Camp House and Munger Shaw wildfires
Higher humidity, cooler temperatures and spotty rain showers could be helpful in the ongoing efforts to contain the large wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. On Friday, strong winds prompted no-fly zones in the area, so all of the firefighting was done on the ground. Despite the efforts being limited to a ground attack on Friday, the fires didn't grow very much and containment is expected to rise in the coming days. 'Because of all those fire crews in there and the boots on the ground, we expect to show some containment on the fire tomorrow,' Micah Bell of the incident command team told Northern News Now. 'So that zero percent that everybody is really worrying about, that numbers going to go up in the next 24 hours.' Residents in the evacuation zones of the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires will be allowed to check their property between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Here's the latest on the Jenkins Creek, Camp House, and Munger Shaw fires. The largest of the fires, it has grown slightly to 16,281 acres and it remains zero percent contained. Here's the latest from the Minnesota Incident Command. Recent rains brought a reprieve from much of the active fire. Hot Shot crews are targeting smoldering areas. Protection of the Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities remains a priority operational objective. Firefighters and dozer operators are extending fire containment lines along the northwest edge and southern anchor point of the fire, and prepping protection measures for values-at-risk in anticipation of warmer, drier air and windy conditions arriving mid-week. There was no reported fire spread yesterday; the acreage listed above reflects more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter. A total of 90 firefighters are working on the fire, the cause of which remains under investigation. A total of 14,805 acres have burned. Here's the latest from officials. Dozer crews advanced containment lines on the south end and west side of the fire and will implement direct attacks on those areas as conditions permit. A concerted effort has been made to protect the communications tower east of Bassett Lake. Dead and distressed balsam and aspen and downed power lines pose significant hazards for firefighters. Hot Shot crews are targeting areas that are still smoldering. This fire has not grown in the past three days. The smaller reported acreage is the result of improved mapping. Additional aircraft will be supporting operations today if weather conditions remain favorable for flight. A total of 278 personnel are working on the fire. The cause is under investigation. This fire has burned 1,600 acres, according to a Saturday update. It is 50 percent contained and the "Go" evacuation order has been lifted. The latest from officials: The Munger Shaw Fire is now 50% contained. Today, crews will continue to patrol the fire's edge and mop up linger hotspots, like smoldering stumps, to help secure containment. This involves firefighters searching for smoke and cooling heat pockets of unburned fuel with water and stirring the embers. Specialized teams of sawyers who work with chainsaws are falling trees that pose safety hazards for firefighters. The weather should cooperate with firefighting efforts this weekend. In fact, frost and sub-32-degree temperatures are possible.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Minnesota Wildfire Map Shows Devastation as Blaze Engulfs 35,000 Acres
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Three large wildfires in northeastern Minnesota have scorched more than 35,000 acres as of Wednesday, with officials rushing to contain the blazes amid record-setting temperatures and dry conditions. Communities in several counties remain under evacuation orders and air quality alerts as the fires continue to burn. Why It Matters Spring is wildfire season for Minnesota, with the most dangerous time being after snowmelt before the vegetation greens up, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website said. However, the state, better known for its harsh winters, is experiencing a rare May heatwave with unusually hot and dry weather, which has exacerbated the wildfire risk. What to Know Governor Tim Walz's office enacted the Minnesota National Guard to aid in fighting the fast-growing wildfires which have prompted emergency evacuations and closed several popular recreational areas. A map shows the location of three wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. A map shows the location of three wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. Inciweb The rapid expansion of the Camp House Fire, Jenkins Creek Fire and Munger Shaw Fire has alarmed officials. The fires, which began earlier this week, were still uncontained as of Wednesday morning and their causes are still under investigation. Micah Bell, the public information officer for the Eastern Area Incident Management Team, told Newsweek that power lines, homes and communities, as well as key infrastructure in the area that supports mining and telecommunication operations, are all at risk from the blazes. Responding agencies have now combined the Camp House Fire and Jenkins Creek Fire into one incident, now called the Brimson Complex, Bell added. On Wednesday, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Krystal Lynum signaled there may be some good news for Minnesotans later this week. Lynum told Newsweek that temperatures and other critical fire condition markers, such as winds and relative humidity, have already begun to drop. Much-needed rainstorms storms are expected to hit the area on Thursday afternoon, which will continue into the evening, bringing as much as an inch of rain. Camp House Fire As of the most recent update on Wednesday morning, the Camp House fire was nearing 15,000 acres in size. On Monday evening, the blaze was 1,250 acres. The fire is still 0 percent contained. Jenkins Creek Fire The Jenkins Creek Fire has exploded to more than 20,500 acres. It was measured at 1,500 acres on Monday evening. The most recent update shows the fire is 0 percent contained. No injuries or fatalities have been reported for the Brimson Complex fires. Munger Shaw Fire As of the most recent update, the Munger Shaw Fire is still at around 1,300 acres in size, which was its same size on Monday evening. It is 0 percent contained. What People Are Saying DNR wildfire prevention specialist Karen Harrison said in a Minnesota DNR webpage: "Dry vegetation can easily ignite and start a wildfire that spreads quickly. In these conditions, any spark could become a wildfire. People should use extreme caution until conditions improve." A Minnesota DNR fire danger map showing the northern half of the state in extreme fire danger: "The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage." What Happens Next Cooler temperatures and rain are expected to arrive by the weekend. An air quality alert issued across the Duluth region is expected to expire by 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
