BRIMSON, Minnesota — Gov. Tim Walz has called on the Minnesota National Guard to assist with a massive wildfire in northeastern Minnesota.
Walz issued an executive order authorizing the guard to assist the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in battling the Camp House wildfire just north of Brimson, Minnesota. The wildfire was reported on Sunday and continued to burn into Monday, prompting officials to evacuate the area. According to the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS), the fire spanned approximately 1,250 acres as of 6:30 p.m. Monday.
“Wildfires in northern Minnesota have forced families to evacuate and caused severe damage to and loss of property,” Walz announced in a press release. “My thoughts are with the Minnesotans who are affected by this dangerous and unpredictable fire. I’m grateful to the Minnesota National Guard’s men and women for taking on this mission, as well as all of the state and local agencies working tirelessly to keep the fire under control and Minnesotans safe.”
According to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay, at least three cabins and a garage were destroyed in the fire, with additional structures likely to be lost. At least 50 homes and cabins have been evacuated to protect residents from the fire.
Firefighters are also battling a second fire just east of Hibbing, which has spread to more than 1,000 acres, according to Walz. People in both areas have been asked to evacuate for safety reasons. For the most recent information on evacuations.
