3 wildfires continue raging in northeastern Minnesota
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Three major wildfires raging out of control in the same Minnesota county have burned more than 20,000 acres combined.
The Camp House Fire is nearly 12,000 acres; Jenkins Creek Fire is 6,800 acres; and Munger Shaw Fire is 1,400 acres. All are zero percent contained.
The devastating wildfires that are consuming thousands of acres of forest in northern Minnesota have been exacerbated by the actions of a wood pest. Commanders responding to the trio of wildfires ongoing in St. Louis County say they have been fueled by the eastern spruce budworm.
Wildfires have exploded in size across parts of northeastern Minnesota north of Lake Superior, destroying at least 40 homes and buildings, as unseasonably high temperatures and low humidity will continue to drive dangerous fire weather on Tuesday.
According to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the state has already had 970 fires this year. On average the state experiences a little over 1,100 a year, remember it’s only May.
(ABC 6 News) — As fires continue to blaze across northern Minnesota, wildfires have become a growing trend in the state. Governor Tim Walz says the state typically sees about 100 wildfires per year, but so far this year, we’ve already had 970. On Sunday alone, 40 were reported.
Ramsay added: "A third large fire is burning currently on both sides of Munger Shaw Road south of Three Lakes Road moving quickly in a northern direction. Residents in the east half of Cotton Township including Morley Beach Rd, Elde Road and surrounding areas should evacuate."
State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront.