Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith traveled to the Two Harbors area in Northeastern Minnesota on May 16 to assess the damage caused by ongoing wildfires. Their visit coincided with that of Minnesota State Senator Grant Hauschild, who was also briefed at the Incident Command Center.

The wildfires, including the Camp House fire, Jenkins Creek fire, and Munger Shaw fire, have burned an estimated area of over 32,000 acres. Over 150 structures have been lost. Beginning on Friday, property owners were temporarily allowed to enter the evacuation zone. 

Governor Walz expressed his concern for those displaced by the fires and extended his gratitude to the first responders and volunteers working to contain them. "The state is ready and committed to do everything in our power to respond to and suppress these fires... and help impacted communities rebuild," stated Governor Walz.

Earlier in the week, Governor Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance for wildfire response. The National Guard is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC), and other state and local agencies.

Currently, the Camp House Fire is 14,979 acres in size with 0% containment, the Jenkins Creek Fire is 15,571 acres with 0% containment, and the Munger Shaw Fire is 1,630 acres with 25% containment. Over 300 personnel are assigned to ground and air suppression efforts for the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires, with an additional 65 personnel assigned to the Munger Shaw fire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management are managing public safety measures, including evacuations and road closures.

While visiting, Senator Hauschild thanked the frontline teams while receiving a briefing at the Incident Command Center. He highlighted the necessity of interagency cooperation and his commitment to securing resources for disaster preparedness and rural fire departments.