Wildfire — Central St. Louis, Minnesota

2025-06-01 to 2025-06-13 · Central St. Louis, Minnesota

Event narrative

The Camp House fire began on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at approximately 2PM local time in Ault Township, about two miles northeast of Brimson, Minnesota, outside the Superior National Forest. The fire was initially reported at 750 acres and expanded rapidly due to dry conditions, gusty winds, and a large volume of dead timber, particularly in areas infested with spruce budworms. It is believed to have been started by an unattended campfire. The fire moved into the Superior National Forest, causing closures and evacuations. Initial fire behavior included crown fires and rapid spread through dense forest, fueled by widespread dead and dying trees. At least 144 structures, primarily homes and cabins along Highway 44, were destroyed by the fire's initial spread. Initially, mandatory evacuations were put in place for Highway 44 and nearby communities, and evacuation centers were established to assist displaced residents. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the the local Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area forestry assumed management of the Camp House fire. Firefighting operations continued into June with the fire not being 100% contained until the morning of June 13th. The fire reached a maximum size of 12,071 acres and affected around 150 structures.

Wider weather episode

Three large wildfires began in mid-May and were not contained until mid-June. The smaller of the three fires was the Munger Shaw fire that reach a size of 1,259 acres and was finally contained on the afternoon of the 13th. The larger two fires were operated as the Brimson Complex. The Jenkins Creek fire reached full containment on June 21st with a maximum size of 16,490 acres. The Camp House fire was fully contained the morning of June 13th, reached a maximum size of 12,071 acres and affected around 150 structures.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1264670. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.