Fridley residents, the northwoods community is where they escape year-round. Today, they learned from their neighbors that all that remains on their property is their chimney. “We lost everything,” she said,

The Camp House Fire is nearly 12,000 acres; Jenkins Creek Fire is 6,800 acres; and Munger Shaw Fire is 1,400 acres. All are zero percent contained.

The devastating wildfires that are consuming thousands of acres of forest in northern Minnesota have been exacerbated by the actions of a wood pest. Commanders responding to the trio of wildfires ongoing in St. Louis County say they have been fueled by the eastern spruce budworm.

Wildfires have exploded in size across parts of northeastern Minnesota north of Lake Superior, destroying at least 40 homes and buildings, as unseasonably high temperatures and low humidity will continue to drive dangerous fire weather on Tuesday.

Good Tuesday eveningThe heat and humidity continue across Minnesota today, with highs well into the 80s and another breezy afternoon. But big changes are coming—along with the most significant chance of rain and thunderstorms we’ve seen in a while.

According to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the state has already had 970 fires this year. On average the state experiences a little over 1,100 a year, remember it’s only May.

A serious situation is unfolding in northern Minnesota, where multiple wildfires have sprung up during tinderbox-dry conditions, and an increasing number of residents are now subject to evacuation orders as the blaze consumes properties. Authorities in St. Louis County are responding to:

The Camp House fire has burned nearly 12,000 acres, while the Jenkins Creek fire has burned at least 6,800 acres. Both fires are at 0% containment as of Tuesday morning.

State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront.