Wildfires continue in northern Minnesota as Gov. Walz, other top leaders survey damage
Minnesota Gov. Walz and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are seeing the damage from the three massive wildfires still raging in northeastern Minnesota.
The Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires have now charred an area of over 30,000 acres, which is roughly the size of Minneapolis.
Thursday's rain was great news for crews trying to contain the fires, but the two largest ones are still at 0% containment. The Munger Shaw Fire, which has burned about 1,600 acres since Monday afternoon, is now at 25% containment, according to the . The evacuation order for the Munger Shaw Fire has been lifted and residents are now allowed to return to their homes. Roads have also been reopened in that area.
The U.S. Forest Service is asking that residents be mindful of firefighters, road crews and other personnel working on repairs in areas impacted by the Munger Shaw Fire.
As of Thursday night, the Jenkins Creek Fire is now moving towards Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt. Some residents are now preparing to evacuate as authorities warn of winds that could blow the fires toward populated areas.
Some families have now been out of their homes for several days, and they're starting to worry that when they finally do get to go back — even if their house is still standing — it may not feel like home anymore.
"There's a lot of different feelings, a lot of mixed feelings of everything. Hurt, anger, disappointment," said Amber Fuentes, of Brimson. "Hearing people say it looks like an apocalypse happened and stuff like that. I don't know how I'm going to feel if I do get to go back home."
State leaders promise continued support
While visiting Two Harbors Friday morning, Walz, Klobuchar and Smith thanked first responders, the U.S. Forest Service and volunteers for the hard work they're doing.
"As usual, northern Minnesota is up to the task, strong, and while these fires are not yet contained, we are doing everything we can because of the spirit of the people up here," Klobuchar said.
The lawmakers toured the damage, talked about the response and assured these communities they will be supported when recovery begins.
"Just to reassure folks on this, it's hard and we know it's going to be traumatic over the coming months, but the commitment to rebuilding is there," Walz said.
Klobuchar and Smith also said they are making efforts to get help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the federal level.
"My heart goes out to the folks who have lost their homes, or their cabins, places that are so dear to them. Things that they will never be able to replace," Smith said.
Walz said there is a disaster contingency account that could potentially provide millions of dollars to the rebuild up north.
Road closures
The county has closed eastbound Highway 16 at Camp 26 Trail Track as a result of the Jenkins Creek Fire. The intersection of eastbound Highway 16 and southbound Brimson-Toimi Road, and County Road 110 outside Hoyt Lakes at the Moose Line and eastbound Forest Route 129 are also closed.
Wildfire origins still under investigation
St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay says it's still unclear how the fires started, but the Camp House Fire's origin is believed to be from an out-of-control campfire.
The Jenkins Creek Fire began close to a highway, possibly from a cigarette, Ramsay says, and the source of the Munger Shaw Fire may have been a hay bale fire that spread. Ramsay says there are no suspects at this point.
On Monday, Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to support the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Guard members are now stationed in Two Harbors, using four helicopters that can each can pick up and dump 600 gallons of water at a time.
Walz is also expected to meet with officials and volunteers on Friday in Brimson, the town closest to the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires.
How you can help
Officials say they do not need more volunteers, but there are ways to help financially.
Donations to support relief for Lake County community members can be made .
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 .
