Parker John Wilson, the Duluth man cited in connection with the Camp House Fire, has entered a plea of not guilty. The misdemeanor charge, failure to extinguish a fire, stems from an incident on May 11, 2025, when a blaze ignited near Highway 44 under red flag fire danger conditions.
The fire ultimately merged with the Jenkins Creek Fire to form the Brimson Fire Complex, burning over 12,000 acres and destroying more than 150 structures.
While campfires are technically permitted under red flag warnings, they are strongly discouraged and require close monitoring.
The Jenkins Creek Fire is believed to have ignited from a discarded cigarette. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has emphasized that over 90% of wildfires in the state are human-caused.
MapofFire.com estimates the fire caused more than $8.7 million in damages before containment was achieved nearly a month later. The blaze spread rapidly due to dry conditions, high winds, and dead timber from spruce budworm infestation. The combination created ideal fuel for wildfire.
Wilson, 27, has a prior citation from 2020 related to a fire incident at The Deeps in Duluth. The current charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for December 2025.
Civil litigation, if pursued, would likely follow the conclusion of the criminal case.
Residents impacted by the fire continue to seek answers and accountability. For many, the legal process is just one part of a broader recovery effort of rebuilding homes, restoring forestland, and reckoning with the long-term emotional and environmental toll.
If you would like to learn more about helping recovery efforts, visit the Brimson Strong Community Support and Recovery’s Facebook page. To donate, scan the QR code located above.
