Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist in combatting the escalating Camp House Fire in northern Minnesota. In a statement, Walz expressed concern for the families affected by the wildfire, which has led to evacuations and considerable property damage.
The Camp House Fire, which began on Sunday, has rapidly expanded from 750 acres to approximately 1,250 acres by Monday morning. Over 50 homes have been evacuated, and reports indicate that at least three cabins have been destroyed. The ongoing fire is exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds, which have also given rise to a separate wildfire known as the Jenkins Creek Fire, now encompassing about 1,500 acres.
Firefighting efforts are being coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, and local authorities. As aerial firefighting units including Canadair CL-415 SuperScoopers work to contain the blaze, affected residents have expressed their fears and challenges. Mikala Schliep recounted a harrowing evacuation experience as flames flanked her family’s truck while trying to escape.
Fortunately, some homeowners have reported that despite the fire’s proximity, their properties remained unharmed, thanks in part to proactive clearing of combustible materials surrounding their homes. Local resident Greg Ruberg attributed the survival of his cabin to the extensive cleanup efforts he undertook over the past year and the dedicated response from emergency personnel.
The public is encouraged to stay clear of fire-affected areas, and officials have instituted closures for certain roads to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting operations. Moreover, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch and Red Flag Warning across numerous counties due to elevated fire risks.
While the situation remains critical, the collaborative efforts of emergency teams and the resilience of local communities offer a glimmer of hope as they confront these dangerous wildfires. Ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate wildfire impacts will be crucial as conditions continue to evolve.