Brimson Complex fires continue to burn but haven’t grown

Wildfire containment is still 0%, but fire crews have kept the Brimson Complex fires from spreading into new areas. The Camp House Fire has burned 14,805 acres, and 278 personnel are assisting with extinguishing the flames. The Jenkins Creek Fire has destroyed 16,281 acres, and there are 90 crews working together to stop the blaze.

Camp House Fire Update

There’s a concentrated effort to protect the communications tower east of Bassett Lake. Dead foliage and downed power lines continue to pose significant hazards for firefighters. Hot Shot crews are targeting areas that are still smoldering from the flames. The smaller reported acreage is the result of improved mapping. Additional aircraft will be supporting operations today if weather conditions remain favorable for flight.

Jenkins Creek Fire Update

Recent rains brought some relief for the active fire. Protection of the Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities remains a priority. Firefighters and dozer operators are extending fire containment lines along the northwest edge and southern anchor point of the fire. Crews are preparing protection measures for values-at-risk in anticipation of warmer, drier air and windy conditions arriving mid-week. There was no reported fire spread yesterday; the acreage listed above reflects more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter.

When can homeowners return?

Homeowners and property owners will have access to their properties from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday and Sunday. Check in with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Deputies who will be staged at the intersection of Hwy-44/Two Harbors-Brimson Road for the Camp House fire area, or at County Road 16/Forest Hwy 11 for the Jenkins Creek area.

There has been an important procedure change: instead of checking out with deputies, owners are directed to call 211 to check out of the evacuation zone.

As the Brimson Complex fires continue to burn, Hoyt Lake residents remain at the “Set” level of preparedness for now. For more details about the Lake County Evacuation, you can look here.