Containment increases for big fires; Some evacuations lifted

May 21, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Camp House Fire burning near Brimson is now 73% contained. It has burned 12,071 acres.

Firefighters navigate a severely burned area at the site of an old sawmill near Brimson, Minnesota, close to the intersection of Brimson and Breda roads. Crews sift through thick layers of sawdust and debris, checking for residual heat and extinguishing hotspots. The blackened forest floor and charred trees reflect the fire’s intensity, while patches of green growth signal early regeneration.

(Via Wildfire.gov)

As of Wednesday 21, 2025 365 people are fighting the blaze.

The Eastern Area Incident Management Team says the firefighters’ effort over the past week paid off as all existing lines held despite strong winds from the east.

Two hotshot crews are continuing to work in some of the more challenging terrain to finish connecting portions of the containment line.

Other crews will begin moving deeper into the interior from the southern end of the fire to find and put out any smoldering areas inside the containment line.

The Jenkins Creek Fire burning north of Fairbanks and east of Skibo is now 13% contained. It has burned 16,748 acres.

Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 21, 2025

On Wednesday 21, 2025 additional firefighters will be moved from the Camp House Fire to the Jenkins Fire to make a push to connect existing containment lines.

The heavy equipment that was working along the southern edge of the fire to chop up large fallen debris into wood chips will progress north today.

The debris that is chipped up will not burn as hot should fire reach the wood chippings. Over time, the woody chip debris will decompose quicker.

Effective Wednesday, May 21, at 8 a.m. conditions have improved enough that 13 evacuation zones that had been on “Go” status are being improved to “Set” status (zones 1-5, 9-12, and 17-20). Nine zones that had been on “Set” status are being improved to “Ready” status. (6-8, 13-16, 21-22).

Highway 44 and CR-110/FH-11 are now reopened to through-traffic.