A hot and dry stretch of weather this spring led to the perfect conditions for an outbreak of wildfires in Northern Minnesota. Along with the hot and dry weather, windy conditions helped fan the flames that quickly exploded into a handful of large wildfires.
In all, three different wildfires that started in May consumed thousands of acres and hundreds of structures.
By the end of May, these three fires were largely under control, but that came after a sizable amount of damage was done.
The largest of the three fires, the Jenkins Creek Fire, consumed 16,490 acres. It was discovered on May 12, southeast of Hoyt Lakes.
The next-largest, the Camp House Fire, burned 12,071 acres. It was discovered on May 11, northeast of Brimson.
The smallest of the three, the Munger-Shaw Fire scorched 1,259 acres. It was first discovered on May 12 in the area between Cotton and Brimson.
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All three of these fires are among the largest Minnesota wildfires in recent history. You can see how they rank among the largest below.
An investigation into the cause of the Camp House Fire determined that it was human-caused, and now charges have been filed. WDIO is reporting a Duluth man is facing charges in connection to this fire.
The Minnesota DNR and St. Louis County Attorney have cited 27-year-old Parker John Wilson with a misdemeanor failure to extinguish fire charge. The investigation determined that the fire was caused by an unattended campfire.
Minnesota Statue defines this and lays out penalties as follows: "Any person who starts and fails to control or extinguish the fire, whether on owned property or on the property of another, before the fire endangers or causes damage to the property of another person or the state is guilty of a misdemeanor."
The Largest Minnesota Wildfires In Modern History
Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper
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