Railroad tracks will reopen as Munger Shaw fire containment progresses

By WDIO

Fire on Munger Shaw Road. (WDIO)

The Munger Shaw fire, located southeast of Cotton, was first detected late in the afternoon on Monday, May 12. According to the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS), the fire is approximately 1600 acres as of Saturday morning and is 50% contained.

Crews will continue to patrol the fire’s edge on Saturday and mop up lingering hotspots, such as smoldering stumps, as they work on securing containment. Firefighters will search for smoke and cool heat pockets of unburned fuel with water and stir the embers. Specialized teams of sawyers who work with chainsaws will work on felling trees that pose safety concerns for firefighters.

With the improvements to containing the Munger Shaw fire, MNICS Team A is working in cooperation with CN Railroad to reopen railroad tracks near the fire that were closed while the fire was most active. Trains will reduce their speed as they pass through the Munger Shaw Fire to ensure firefighters’ safety.

Meanwhile, firefighters will work on removing hazardous trees near the tracks as well as along public roadways. MNICS Team A has worked closely with the railroad throughout this incident and says that this kind of partnership leads to successful outcomes.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office rescinded the evacuation and road closures for the Munger Shaw Fire. Residents can return to their property immediately due to improved weather conditions and the successful work on preventing fire spread. Residents are reminded to be mindful of those working in the area to restore essential services and drive cautiously, as roads may have been impacted by the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Saturday’s efforts will include 50 personnel with one engine, one dozer, two tracked vehicles, and one Type One Crew.

Although the support from local businesses and communities is greatly appreciated, MNICS says they are unable to use all of the food and drink donations they are receiving and that the firefighters are “well taken care of”.

If you would like to contribute to organizations that support firefighters, MNICS recommends the following:

Wildland Firefighter Foundation at: https://wffoundation.org/
The Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate.html
The United Way: https://www.unitedwaynemn.org/give

Cooperating agencies for the Munger Shaw fire include: the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife
Service, USDA Forest Service, CN Railroad, Northland Fire Department, St. Louis County Emergency Management, and St. Louis County Rescue Squad.

The Brimson Complex fires are still 0% contained as of Saturday morning. More information about those fires can be found at this link.