More than 35,000 acres have burned across northeastern Minnesota as three large wildfires continue to threaten homes, prompt evacuations and strain local firefighting resources.
The larger Jenkins Creek Fire is rapidly spreading north, and has burned more than 20,500 acres and has led to multiple road closures. Townline Road is shut down at Forest Highway 11 and at Highway 2. Deputies are urging the public to avoid Forest Highway 11, which is closed at Moose Line Road between Townline and Hoyt Lakes.
To the west, the Munger Shaw Road Fire has grown to approximately 1,700 acres and is moving north. Evacuations have been ordered in the Pioneer Lake and Morley Beach Road areas. The fire continues to produce flare-ups and remains a serious threat. Road closures have been implemented at Three Lakes Road and Winkle Lane (no eastbound traffic), Three Lakes Road at Rush Lake Grade (no westbound traffic) and Munger Shaw Road at Morley Beach Road (no southbound traffic).
St. Louis County Evacuation Map
On Tuesday, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay shared early findings on what may have sparked each fire. The Camp House Fire is believed to have started from an unattended campfire. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reportedly identified the people responsible and is continuing to investigate. The Jenkins Creek Fire appears to have ignited near a roadway, possibly after someone discarded a cigarette while passing along Highway 16. The Munger Shaw Fire is believed to have originated on a farm after a bale of hay caught fire. The property owner called 911 immediately, but the sheriff said, “It was already too late by the time fire crews got there.”
The fire response continues to grow. On Monday, Governor Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts in northern Minnesota. National Guard units have now joined teams from the Minnesota DNR, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and local fire departments working to contain the three blazes.
A larger state incident management team has also been called in and is expected to arrive by Wednesday morning to assume control of operations at the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. That shift will free up resources to assist with other active fires in the region.
After several days of hot, dry and windy weather that fueled rapid fire growth, a shift in conditions may bring some relief. Rain is possible starting Wednesday night in St. Louis County, which could help slow the spread of the wildfires. Until then, fire danger remains high as dry fuels and low humidity continue to challenge containment efforts.
There have been no reported injuries. Authorities are continuing to monitor fire spread and provide updates as conditions evolve.
