The Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires were top of mind this week at the Two Harbors Council meeting on Monday night. City Administrator, Patty Nordean stressed the importance of the public staying away from the area so as not to interfere with efforts to bring the fires under control. Two Harbors fire crews are working with other area first responders to fight the fires and the National Guard has been called in to help in the effort.
As of Monday afternoon, the Camp House fire had burned around 1,250 acres of land and three homes have been destroyed. At least 50 additional homes and cabins have been evacuated and staff members from the Green Lake Lutheran Ministries campground were also evacuated. No campers were on sight at the time.
As of Monday night, the Jenkins Creek fire had burned around 1,500 acres and has moved into some areas with limited ground access. Aircraft are being used to drop water on the fires in the hope of slowing the spread and protecting private property.
The Minnesota DNR has listed the state’s fire danger as extreme. Weather conditions are such that the danger of wildfires is “explosive and can result in extensive property damage”. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning on Tuesday for 65 Minnesota counties and there is currently no open burning on private property allowed in Minnesota. Campfires are also strongly discouraged. A red flag warning means that weather conditions, including strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures, contribute to the risk of fire.
The Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Department has provided a web link where residents can get information on the fires. As this is an active situation, residents are encouraged to go to https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire for accurate updates.
In other business, the Council accepted a proposal from Carlson McCain to provide services for an investigation work plan for submission to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Carlson McCain is investigating the site clean-up for the property slated for the proposed NAILegacy hotel project along the west end of Waterfront street near the ore docks.
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next Two Harbors Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 5:30. A public hearing has been scheduled at that time regarding an ordinance to amend City Code Chapter 11 to allow for cannabis and hemp businesses to operate within the city.
