Weather in the News

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire

Camp House Fire (May 15, 2025) DULUTH, Min. – A Duluth man has been cited in connection with the Camp House Fire. It is believed the fire started from an unattended campfire. The fire started May 11, 2025, near Brimson. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources tells FOX21, “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in coordination with the St….

Intense Flooding Cancels Last Day of Wisconsin State Fair

Flooding through the streets of Milwaukee, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (CBS58 (WDJT) via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states forced motorists to abandon their vehicles, cut power to thousands of households and closed busy roadways. Organizers of the Wisconsin…

2 People Rescued From Windy Chequamegon Bay

Ashland Fire Dept. ASHLAND, Wis. — Firefighters in Ashland rescued people out on a windy Chequamegon Bay Thursday. Fire officials said wind and a deflating raft got the 13-year-old girl and her grandmother stuck about 400 yards from shore. The winds were so bad that the nearby Solstice Outdoors was not renting kayaks for the day. Firefighters used a resident’s…

Entire state of Minnesota has Unhealthy Air Alert until midday Monday

Air Quality Alert 08/01/2025 DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through noon Monday, August 4, 2025. Surface high pressure will camp out over the region through Friday evening and will result in light winds and poor dispersion. Smoke with widespread red/unhealthy air quality index (AQI) concentrations will likely…

Most of Minnesota will have ‘Unhealthy Air’ until Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Min.  – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. Most of the state will be in the “Unhealth Air” category until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Effective 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 parts of Minnesota north of Mankato are in the Red Alert status. Air Quality Alert…

Weekend Air Quality Alerts across Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…

Air Quality Alert extended – again

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended its air quality alert through Tuesday, July 15 for northern Minnesota. Areas around the Northshore and Carlton County will still be in the level considered unhealthy for everyone. That area includes Two Harbors, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. The rest of Northern…

St. Louis County waiving permit fees for wildfire rebuilding

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. rebuild after the 2025 spring wildfires. They are waiving permit fees through January 4, 2026. It’s specifically for replacement of structures and…

Tiffany, Stauber, and other members of Congress send letter to Canadian Ambassador about wildfire concerns

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) along with other members of Congress sent a letter to Canada’s Ambassador. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin It urged stronger forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risk after consecutive years of heavy smoke blowing south from Canada to Minnesota and Wisconsin. It read in part, “We know a key…

St. Louis County opening Brimson Wildfire Complex debris collection site 

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Environmental Services is opening a temporary solid waste collection site in the Brimson-area to dispose of materials damaged by recent wildfires. The collection site will be at the old County garage, 3115 Highway 44 in Brimson. This site is for wildfire debris only. Beginning Monday, July 7, the site will…

State Disaster Assistance for St. Louis County approved

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of St. Louis County that suffered damage caused by wildfires in May. The funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the fires. In making the announcement Governor Walz said in a news release, “I’m…

Eastern Half of U.S. Sweltering, With Dangerous Heat Wave expected To Last Until Midweek

Courtesy: Associated Press MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Tens of millions of people across the Midwest and East endured dangerously hot temperatures again on Sunday as a rare June heat wave that gripped much of the U.S. was expected to last well into this week. Most of the northeastern quadrant of the country from Minnesota to Maine was under some type…

No smoke or heat sources found in Jenkins Creek Fire area

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSOM, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team is reporting Wednesday (6/11) morning they were not able to detect smoke or heat sources in the Jenkins Creek Fire. The NIMO team reports they are still patrolling the roads in the interior of the fire. They are finding fire, “burning deep within the duff, peat, stumps,…

Parts of Jenkins Creek Fire could remain hot until summer

Fire behavior has been dominated by 'creeping and smoldering ground fire'

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSOM, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) overseeing the Jenkins Creek Fire projected some parts of the fire could stay hot until summer. Their June 6, 2025 report said fire behavior has been dominated by “creeping and smoldering ground fire.” NIMO said the fire behavior has been described as ‘burning downward.’ They reported, “crews must…

Minnesota issues first ever “Maroon” Air Quality Alert

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time ever the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a “Maroon Alert” which means hazardous air quality. The alert is issued from Monday, June 2, through Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The Maroon Alert is for Northwest Minnesota including the areas generally from Red Lake to the north and west including…

Gov. Walz Announces Recovery Efforts as Wildfires Dwindle in Northern Minnesota

ST. PAUL/BRIMSON, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials announced recovery efforts are now underway for areas affect by wildfires. These efforts will be worked on simultaneously across the state like repairing infrastructure, roads, and telephone poles. So far this fire season, Minnesota has seen nearly 1,100 fires that burned more than 48,ooo acres, which is well…

NIMO Takes Command as Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires Persist in Minnesota

BRIMSON, Minn. — On Wednesday, the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) assumed command of both the Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. The Jenkins Creek Fire is still 84% contained and is has burned 16,089 acres. Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS/drone) flights detected multiple heat sources in the south…

Main federal team battling Brimson Fire Complex to soon leave

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSON, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 84% contained.  It has burned 16,089 acres north from the Fairbanks-area to well past Skibo. The portion that is not contained is the northeast edge, burning away from the most inhabited areas. Brimson Fire Complex Crews are focusing on mop-up and patrol, hazard tree removal, log hauling, and…

More Progress on Jenkins Creek Fire; Superior National Forest Ordered to Close

BRIMSON, Minn. — Over the weekend, firefighters battling the Jenkins Creek Fire were able to grow containment lines. The fire is now 78% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 26, 2025 The Eastern Area Incident Management Team saying fire activity is minimal on the Jenkins Creek Fire. Fire crews are continuing to patrol and monitor the area while…

Jenkins Creek Fire containment growing; Skibo residents can return home

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSON, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 47% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 23, 2025 The containment lines released by the Eastern Area Incident Management Team now show most of the Northwest side and Southeast side of the fire contained. The containment line is now next to Skibo.  Crews had been working for…

Containment increases for big fires; Some evacuations lifted

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….

Governor Walz declares peacetime emergency from wildfires

Lingering smoke drifts through fire-damaged timber as crews continue work along a dozer line on the Brimson Complex, May 2025. Hazardous snags and smoldering fuels remain a concern as containment efforts progress. DULUTH & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz on May 20, 2025 declared a peacetime emergency in response to wildfires in Northeast Minnesota. This follows St. Louis…

Containment Continues Around Camp House Fire; Jenkins Creek Fire Stalls

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — In the last day containment around the Camp House fire grew from 40% to 59%. There are now four containment lines targeting the fire from all sides protecting the area south of Bassett, area north of Brimson, and areas to the east of Hornby and Breda. These lines were strengthened in preparation of Tuesday’s…

Some containment announced for all major fires in Minnesota

Brimson Complex firefighters construct handline on May 18, 2025. DULUTH, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 6% contained with 199 people fighting the blaze. It was the last of the major fires to reach any level of containment.  The containment lines established are in the corner of the fire facing towards Fairbanks. With drier and gustier weather predicted, protection of…

Minnesota State Leaders Survey Damage From Wildfires

BRIMSON, Minn. –Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith visited the Camp House fire zone to take in the carnage firsthand. The group first visited the Incident Command Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors, and met with teams responding to the fires. Governor Walz thanked the crews and volunteers, and shared his…

Burn area acreage reduced

Smoke from the Camp House Fire seen above the trees along Highway 16 near Highway 44. DULUTH, Minn. – As of Thursday morning (5/1/2025), the burning area of the Brimson Complex wildfire (Camp House/Jenkins combined) has changed due to drone mapping. The Camp House fire’s burning estimate is 14,979 acres and the Jenkins Creek fire estimate is 15,571 acres. The…

Air quality alert extended for northeast Minnesota

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. The Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires in the Superior National Forest remain active and will continue to produce heavy ground-level smoke through Thursday. The affected area includes International Falls, Hibbing,…

Superior National Forest Closing Areas Around Brimson Due To Fire

Superior National Forest Brimson Complex Fire Area Closure DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the Brimson Complex fires (Camp House & Jenkins Creek fires) on the Superior National Forest (SNF) is closing a portion of the Laurentian Ranger District. Forest Supervisor Tom Hall elected to close visitor entry at campsites, recreation sites, trails, roads and lakes. The areas including range from near…

140 Structures Destroyed In Camp House Fire

Camp House Fire Damage BRIMSON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say, as of Tuesday afternoon, “approximately 140 structures” have been destroyed in the Camp House wildfire. The fire has spread to more than 12,000 acres. The road closure on Hwy 44 from Rollins Road (Hugo’s Bar) to Townline Road is still in effect. Sheriff’s deputies and the…

Regional Group To Take Over Minnesota Wildfire Fighting

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. That will change the morning of Wednesday, May 14. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team will assume…

80 Wildfires Around Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in a news release says since Sunday (May 11), firefighters have responded to approximately 80 wildfires throughout Minnesota. Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) Three big wildfires are burning in Northeast Minnesota. As of Tuesday morning the information on the fires include: Camp House Fire Developed May 11, 2025. Currently 11,778  acres…

Sheriff: 40-Plus Structures Destroyed In ‘Camp House’ Fire Near Brimson

As Tuesday morning, there were no reports of injuries of fatalities in the three active wildfires in St. Louis County.

CAMP HOUSE FIRE: Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) One day after a massive wildfire erupted near Brimson, officials reported Monday night that at least 40 structures had been destroyed by the Camp House wildfire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office made that announcement about the losses in a news release around 10:30 p.m. The Camp House fire grew to…

Air Quality Alert Due To Wildfires In Northeast Minnesota

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Monday, May 12, through Tuesday, May 13, for northeast Minnesota  

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota due to the wildfires in the area. Air Quality Alert (May 12 – May 13, 2025) Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category or worse. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ely is in the middle of the Purple zone…

Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — The fire danger in the Northland has been rated as high, as a result the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued burn restrictions across the region. “This upcoming pattern that we’re going to be looking at as far as creating these possible critical fire weather conditions, especially Sunday and Monday, is something that we generally see,…

National Weather Service & St. Louis County Work Closely Together

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — The National Weather Service (NWS) and St. Louis County work hand-in-hand together to give better response to severe weather events. The two agencies have a long history of working together. Last year, the NWS Duluth office received the second highest number of weather support requests for Search and Rescue Operations out of any NWS…

1 Dead, 1 Rescued After UTV Falls Through Ice In Bay Along St. Louis River

The scene is near Billings Park

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A top law enforcement official confirmed with FOX 21 Thursday evening that a body was located in the water along the St. Louis River after the UTV they were in fell through the ice. The body was located within the vehicle 14 feet below the surface in Kimballs Bay near Billings Park, according to the official. The…

Bad Weather Cancels ‘Book Across The Bay’ Race, But Not The Party

ASHLAND, Wis. — High winds and drifting new snowfall canceled this weekend’s ‘Book Across The Bay’ in Ashland. Winds and snowy conditions on Lake Superior piled up on the luminaires that keep the skate skiiers and snowshoers on course from Ashland to Washburn. The course required 1,000 luminaries, which were unloaded Friday in preparation for the race. Even though the…

Dressing up for cold weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Even after some warm days, we are still in the grasps of winter, and some chilly temperatures are expected in the near future. Eve Graves shows Fox 21 Meteorologist James McAllister how to properly layer up to take on winter outdoor activities in the Northland. Eve Graves enjoys outdoor activities in the winter here in the Northland,…