Fire crews gather outside to discuss fire operations for the Camp House Fire on Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of Inciweb.gov 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 15, 2025


It was a slow-moving fire day on Wednesday, May 14, according to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay, as three fires continue to burn in St. Louis and Lake Counties.

Related: Recent wildfires are a reminder to refresh on emergency preparedness resources in Cook County

One flare-up from the Munger Shaw Fire caused concern and led to some evacuation orders for residents of that area. However, as the day went on, the fire "calmed down" into the evening as in previous days. 

Yesterday, the Camp House Fire progressed slightly in the SW direction towards the Alt Town Hall and east into Lake County. However, Sheriff Ramsay said that the spread was minimal. He added that Wednesday was "one of the slower days" since Sunday, when the fire was first detected, which is some "good news" for an area "devastated" by the fires. 

The Jenkins Creek Fire also progressed slightly on Wednesday to the north and west and has become the largest fire "by far," according to Ramsay. Due to expected gusty winds on Thursday, especially between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., fire crews will be watching the area closely around Hoyt Lakes. Residents in the area have been alerted to the situation. 

Quick facts

Camp House Fire: 

• 14,979 acres
• 0% containment
• 32 engines, six dozers, three tenders, three tracked vehicles & air support.
• No new evacuation orders, warnings, or advisories, but those that have already been issued are still in place.
• From the Lake County Sheriff's Department: Crews have made progress with dozer lines, and hotshot aircraft are attacking areas around the Cloquet River to cool them.
• The US Forest Service has established a public hotline for questions about Camp House or Jenkins Creek fires: 218-206-6805
  
  

Jenkins Creek Fire: 

• 20,593 acres
• 0% containment
• 5 engines, three tenders, three tracked vehicles & air support
• The US Forest Service has established a public hotline for questions about Camp House or Jenkins Creek fires: 218-206-6805

Munger Shaw Fire:

• 1,700 acres
• 0% containment

General:

• An emergency forest service closure is still in place for the Brimson area. Learn more here.
• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for portions of St. Louis County through May 15 due to wildfire smoke.
• Rain is forecast for much of the affected area today, May 15; however, lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds this afternoon are causing concern about new fires and the spreading of existing ones. 
• The National Weather Service has issued the Red Flag Warnings for the area; however, the MN DNR is still restricting outdoor burning and will not issue burning permits. Campfires in designated rings are permitted, but discouraged. 
• The fire danger for Cook County is now listed as "high," down from "extreme." However, fires can still start easily and spread rapidly. Portions of Lake and St. Louis Counties are still under "extreme" fire danger. 

Sheriff Ramsay shared in a Facebook Live on Wednesday evening that all federally elected officials from Minnesota, including Stauber, Smith, and Klobuchar, have been in contact several times, and have been extremely helpful and care about what is happening with the fires. He shared that the officials have expressed concern that property owners are getting what they need, and according to him, "all three have been very sincere."

Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has also been in contact with Ramsay and passed along her support and care for everyone in the area. 

"It's been very reassuring to hear from the federal officials and their sincerity and concern," Sheriff Ramsay said. 

Finally, Ramsay expressed his gratitude to individuals and businesses who have offered donations and assistance. He shared that there were too many to name, but he called out Hugo's Bar, which has "helped in so many ways," and added that the owners are "tremendous people." At this time, there are now enough volunteers, food, and water. 

If people would like to donate or volunteer, Sheriff Ramsay recommended that they "hold tight" until the fires are over. "People who have lost everything will need help and donations," he said. The Sheriff's Department and other entities will provide information on how to help people who have been impacted once it's available.