So little water, so big the fire. Look carefully You’ll see a helicopter unleashing water at an edge of the Munger Shaw wildfire. It’s only 2,500 pounds per trip. Water is scooped from Lake Superior 20 miles away and also from inland lakes. Images: U.S. Forest Service
Property losses climb to 150 structures
FAIRBANKS, Minn – The Jenkins Creek wildfire in in the Superior National Forest grew slightly, to 16,200 acres despite rain that gave hotshot crews hope of making progress. Two major fires, also Up North in central St. Louis County, were contained overnight with help from the rain – but remained alive and of concern. The latest:
> Jenkins Creek Fire (near Fairbanks, population 10 year-round): fire at 16,200 acres and uncontained.
> Camp House Fire (near Brimson, population 40 year-round): 12,300 acres and 31% contained.
> Munger Shaw Fire (near Cotton, population 60 year-round)): 1,600 acres and 75% contained.
Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said 150-plus structures have been lost so far. About 30 were year-round homes, he said. Governor Tim Walz has activated National Guard assistance. Four Guard helicopters are flying out of Two Harbors and dropping 600-gallon buckets of lake water on hot spots. Fixed-wing planes also are scooping water from lakes and making drops. Walz said a state disaster contingency fund can be tapped for rebuilding. The governor and US. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have toured the stricken area. The senators said they are seeking help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Bone-dry timberland. Easy prey for lightning and careless campers. This was the Munger Shaw fire 20 miles west of Two Harbors and 35 miles northwest of Duluth.