Northeastern Minnesota wildfires: Frequently asked questions answered
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It has been nearly a week since major wildfires ignited in the forests north of Duluth. As of Friday, the blazes continue to burn.
We asked MPR News readers and listeners what questions they have regarding the wildfires. Below are the most frequently asked questions we received and other resources to help you stay informed. This is an ongoing list and will be updated as more information becomes available. Send your questions to tell@mpr.org.
How much is contained?
~ Sharon Lukach, Rice, Minn.
As of our latest coverage, Munger Shaw / Three Lakes Road Fire east of Canyon is 25 percent contained and the Jenkins Creek Fire southeast of Hoyt Lakes and the Camp House Fire near Brimson is zero percent contained.
What area is the fire in?
The fires are about 40 miles outside of Duluth. Do they are towards the southern portion of the Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota.
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Any news on how it started?
St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay told MPR News on Wednesday that the Camp House fire near appears to have started with a campfire that grew out of control last weekend. The Munger Shaw fire near Canyon was sparked by a hay bale that caught fire and spread and the cause of the Jenkins Creek fire southeast of Hoyt Lakes isn’t yet known.
Is the BWCAW being affected by the fires?
~ Mara Coyle, Maplewood
No, the BWCAW is about 60 miles north of the closest fire. It is not currently affected.
What is the projected timeline for having the fire 100 percent contained?
~ Erin Cain, St. Paul
It is too early to say. Containing the fire depends on factors like weather, temperature, wind and moisture. Check back for the latest wildfire news.
What will happen to the burned forest after the fires end?
~ Katherine, Minneapolis
We are not sure about what will happen after these fires, but MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker did a report ten years after the Pagami Creek Fire.
What government agencies/departments are fighting these fires?
The Minnesota National Guard is one of several entities assisting in firefighting efforts. They’ve also been helped by reinforcements, including five elite 20-member hotshot crews from Colorado, Montana and Tennessee.
There are now more than 200 firefighters on scene, including many volunteer crews from across northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation into how the fires started.
I’m curious what effects the fires are having here in the Twin Cities’ air quality? Also, does the smoke affect seasonal allergies, as mine have never been worse?
Earlier this week, air quality was affected for western and central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, unrelated to the fires. Wildfire smoke can impact the effects of allergies, but this season was also more severe for allergies. Here is an article about how to protect against bad air quality and smoke.
Check the air quality index wherever you are in the state. Minnesota is currently experiencing “good” air quality based on their scale.
