The Camp House Fire began on Sunday, May 11, destroying more than 140 structures in a blaze that has yet to be contained.

Many residents of the Brimson area in Minnesota were forced to evacuate, leaving their homes, possessions, and even their memories behind, not knowing what they would return to.

In the days after it began, the thought of going and checking out the damage was inconceivable. Rebuilding was not on anyone’s mind.

Six days after it began, people are finally able to go see what was left behind in the wake of the fire that has burned more than 14,000 acres.

Governor Tim Walz was joined by United States Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar on a visit to the incident command center in Two Harbors, followed by a trip to Brimson to see the destruction with their own eyes.

While the battle with this historic fire is not over, one thing that was repeated during this visit was recovery and rebuilding. Governor Walz made it clear to everyone that funding to rebuild would be there. If it doesn’t come from FEMA, he says the state’s Disaster Contingency Account would foot the bill.

“If we can’t get help federally from FEMA or the incident doesn’t apply, we have broad authority to put that money in, and that account sets at $50 million a year to help for flooding, tornadoes, incidents like this. So just to reassure folks on this, it’s hard and we certainly know that it’s going to be traumatic over the coming months, but the commitment to rebuilding is there,” said Governor Walz.

Brimson Volunteer Fire Chief Randy Freyholtz says there’s no choice other than to rebuild.

“Unfortunately, we did lose a number of structures and the community as a whole has come together, and we will reach out. And we will rebuild. So, we’re not giving up. We’re going to rebuild,” said Chief Freyholtz.

Congressman Pete Stauber paid a visit as well, seeing the resilience of his constituents firsthand.

“When something like this happens, we know in this country we will come together. And Hugo’s, the owners, and the community have come together. It’s incredible,” said Rep. Stauber.

Mikala Schliep, a Brimson resident, believed she had lost everything. When she went to see what was left nearly a week after it broke out, she found her house standing, narrowly avoiding the blaze. She also had chickens, which she believed had died in the fire. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters in the area, one was saved.

“The fire department was back there protecting our homes, and one of the chickens managed to escape the coop, and she picked it up and took it with her, and now she’s on a farm in two harbors. Our one chicken made it, and I got to see her yesterday, our little Reba,” said Mikala.

The strength of this community has proven to be greater than any impact of these fires, which have defined their lives for nearly a week. The sheer amount of donations that have poured into Hugo’s Bar have turned their dining area into a community pantry. The owner told me it wasn’t a matter of if the community would jump in, but when.

Mikala also told me that her chicken Reba laid an egg after being saved, adding to the idea that even amidst destruction like this, hope will shine through.

If you would like to donate to relief efforts or want more regarding evacuations and general fire information, click here: Fire Quick Links: What you need to know