Minnesota Wildfires: Thousands of Acres Burned, National Guard Called In

Northeast Minnesota battles unprecedented wildfires. As of Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025, three major wildfires continue to rage across the region, forcing evacuations and highway closures. The Camp House Fire near Brimson has already consumed 12,000 acres, with zero containment. "Any one of these fires would tax our system, but the fact we have three is very, very challenging," stated St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay on Tuesday morning. The Jenkins Creek Fire southeast of Hoyt Lakes has burned 6,800 acres, also with zero containment, and at least one structure has been destroyed. The Munger Shaw/Three Lakes Road Fire east of Canyon has burned 1,300 acres. Initial evacuation orders were lifted Monday night, but could be reinstated if fire activity increases. Adding to the challenge, red flag warnings remain in place for much of the state. Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard to aid firefighting efforts on the ground and from the air. The scale of these fires is alarming, highlighting the impact of unseasonably hot weather, wind, and drought-like conditions. The situation underscores the need for increased preparedness and community support in the face of these growing environmental challenges.