When my neighbor reached out to report a wildfire just a few miles from our home, the words of Diane Dickey—former Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief—echoed in my mind.
“Brimson is at risk, and all the stakeholders know that,” Dickey had said during a FireWise presentation last spring. “The Forest Service, the DNR—everybody’s got their eye on Brimson because we haven’t burned in ages, and the fuels are building up every year.”
This week, those fuels met fire.
Around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, a wildfire ignited near the 2200 block of Highway 44 and Camp House Road in Ault Township. Local resident Katie O’Sullivan spotted smoke while gardening and called 911 at 1:15 p.m.
O’Sullivan told Northern News Now, “We love our woods, we love the area, and it’s so hard to think about it all burning.”
Dubbed the Camp House Fire, the blaze spread rapidly—consuming 150 acres by 3 p.m. and growing to over 200 acres an hour later, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). By nightfall, the fire had reached 750 acres and was 0% contained.
Evacuation orders were issued for areas bounded by Little Creek Road, County Road 151, Camp House Road, and Highway 44. Over 50 homes and cabins were evacuated, with at least three homes and a garage confirmed lost by that time. Ault Town Hall opened its doors to displaced residents.
Highway 44 between Indian Creek Road and Brimson Road (north of Hugo’s Bar) was closed to all through traffic. Numerous hot spots and flare-ups made the area unsafe for travel.
The fire is burning with a mix of hardwood and conifer forest, including large swaths of spruce budworm-infested stands, which have fueled its rapid spread. Minnesota Incident Command Team C, led by Incident Commander Jeb Backe, assumed command at 7 a.m. Monday. Resources on scene included 56 personnel, six engines, three bulldozers, three tracked vehicles, a 10-person ground crew, and multiple aircraft.
Though the cause remains under investigation, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay noted reports of a possible campfire origin.
Another fire, dubbed the Jenkins Creek Fire, was reported before noon on Monday. It grew from a 100’ x 100’ blaze to 7 acres by 1 p.m., and then exploded to over 800 acres by 3:30 p.m. It was burning in timber and shrubs between Town Line Road (Highway 16), Forest Highway 11, and Cadotte Lake.
On Monday afternoon, our own home fell into the “get ready” section of the evacuation map—not yet under a mandatory order, but squarely in the zone that could change at a moment’s notice. It’s a strange feeling, standing in the comfort of your home while mentally sorting through what you’d grab if you had to go.
By evening, the Camp House Fire had grown to 1,250 acres with 0% containment. Evacuations extended to Langley River Road and Murphy Lake Road in Lake County, and residents along the west side of Highway 44—from Indian Lake to Breda Lake—were also told to leave.
The Jenkins Creek Fire quickly surpassed it in size, reaching over 1,500 acres by nightfall. Aircraft could be seen scooping water from Cadotte Lake as at least five engines battled the blaze.
A third fire—near Munger Shaw Road—ignited Monday afternoon, triggering evacuations that were lifted later that evening.
Support has poured in from across the region. The Fredenberg Community Center opened as a temporary evacuation site, offering shelter for displaced residents. Community groups and agencies, local businesses, and volunteers have stepped in to help—among them, Lake County Emergency Management and the Lake County Humane Society, which have provided logistical assistance and animal care support. The Rainy Rose food truck was also spotted at Hugo’s Bar in Brimson, handing out free meals to EMS crews, firefighters, law enforcement, and anyone in need.
Governor Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts Monday night. “Wildfires in northern Minnesota have forced families to evacuate and caused severe damage and loss of property,” Walz said. “I’m grateful to the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard and all agencies working tirelessly to contain the fire and protect Minnesotans.”
As of late Monday night, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that more than 40 structures—including homes and cabins—had been destroyed in the Camp House Fire.
We stayed up late into the night, watching for updates and wondering if we’d get the call to leave.
Tuesday brought no new evacuation orders for the Camp House Fire, but its footprint expanded to more than 12,000 acres, with 0% containment. The Jenkins Creek Fire swelled to over 6,800 acres and prompted evacuations in the Skibo area, with one structure lost as it burned toward more densely populated regions.
Minnesota Incident Command Team A under Incident Commander Mike Hill took command of the Jenkins Creek Fire early Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the Munger Shaw Road Fire AKA the Three Lakes Road Fire burned 1,300 acres as officials warned that prior evacuations could be reinstated.
The National Forest Service added more air support Tuesday morning as efforts to contain the fires intensified.
Dry, windy weather continues to fuel dangerous fire conditions across northeastern Minnesota. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect as relative humidity hovers between 15–25%, with wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph. These critical fire weather conditions—marked by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds—create an environment where even small sparks can lead to fast-moving wildfires.
Fire officials warned that forecasted conditions into Wednesday and Thursday could further challenge containment efforts and increase the risk of new ignitions. Residents were urged to remain alert, follow local evacuation guidance, and avoid any activities that could unintentionally start a fire.
With flames still active and access routes blocked, the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Officials warn it could be days before residents are able to return to assess what’s left.
Our community is rallying, and the support is palpable. My deepest thanks go out to the emergency crews, local volunteers, and everyone working around the clock. My heart is with those who have lost their homes and beloved family cabins. Stay safe, and may calmer winds come soon.
