Fires in St. Louis County Prompt Evacuations
Three separate fires spreading across hundreds of acres in St. Louis County have led to evacuation orders for some residents. Firefighters are working to contain the blazes, but residents in affected areas are being urged to leave their homes. The cause of the fires is currently under investigation.
- The three fires are named the Camp House Fire (also called the Brimson Lake fire), the Jensens Creek Fire, and the Munger Shaw Fire. - The Camp House Fire has burned approximately 12,000 to 15,000 acres, while the Jensens Creek Fire has grown to about 6,800 to 20,600 acres. - Authorities have reported significant property loss, with at least 40 structures destroyed by the Camp House Fire and over 140 buildings lost across the fires. - Unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, prompting a Red Flag Warning for much of Minnesota. - The response involves multiple agencies, and Governor Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist in suppression efforts. - Evacuation orders are in effect for various zones in both St. Louis and Lake Counties, with an evacuation center established at the Cotton Town Hall. - While the official causes are under investigation, an unattended campfire is rumored to be the cause of the Camp House fire, and a discarded cigarette is suspected for the Jenkins Creek fire. - An Air Quality Alert was issued for the northern two-thirds of St. Louis County and parts of Lake and Cook Counties due to heavy smoke from the fires.
