With wildfire evacution orders lifted, some northern Minnesota residents return to rubble and ash
All evacuation orders prompted by wildfires north of Duluth, Minnesota, have been lifted, officials said Monday.
The evacuation zones connected to the Brimson Complex Fire, which includes the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires, were deactivated as of 8 a.m., according to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team.
Both fires show minimal activity. The Camp House Fire is 90% contained and stands at 12,071 acres in size, while Jenkins Creek is 78% contained and 16,089 acres.
While the cause of the Camp House Fire is under investigation, authorities know humans started the Jenkins Creek Fire.
Crews will continue to tackle hot spots and monitor the fires. On Tuesday, a National Incident Management Organization team will assume command of the Jenkins Creek Fire, local officials said.
Parts of Superior National Forest remain closed due to the fires.
A third fire southwest of the Brimson Complex blaze, dubbed Munger Shaw, is expected to be fully contained on Wednesday, officials said. It stands at 1,259 acres and the cause is unknown.
Residents return to find damage left behind
"They worked so hard. Whoever worked on my home did everything they could to save it," said Linda Lilley, who lost her home in the Camp House Fire.
Lilley, who was one of the founders of the Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department, lost her husband 2 1/2 years ago. They had lived in the home for 40 years.
"It was a 110-year-old house, log house, with cedar shake siding, so it didn't have a prayer," said Lilley.
Lilley says she had to get out fast.
"When I started seeing smoke, I started panicking. The fire was coming right at us. I didn't think how it could miss it," Lilley added.
Memories like this are also instilled in dog kennel owner Soph Mintz's mind. WCCO spoke with her just days after her escape.
"We got the second alert and we sprang into action right then, get the dogs, get out," Mintz said in a May 14 interview.
Mintz lost one of her 25 pups during the swift evacuation, and most of her property too.
"Driving past not just my own home, but lots of people's homes that have been just burnt to the ground, I mean, it's harrowing," Mintz said on Monday.
As evacuation orders lift, the future remains uncertain.
"I don't know all what I'm going to do yet. It depends on what finances I can scrounge up," said Mintz.
"My immediate future is to go to my son's home in Seattle and stay with him," said Lilley. "It was the most horrible thing I've ever seen.
Online fundraisers have been set up to help Mintz and Lilley in their recovery efforts.
How you can help
Officials say they do not need more volunteers, but there are ways to help financially.
Donations to support relief for Lake County community members can be made online through the Head of the Lakes United Way.
Donations can also be mailed to Head of the Lakes United Way (please note it's for wildfire relief): 314 W. Superior St. #750, Duluth, MN 55802.
Donations to support relief for St. Louis County community members can be made online through the United Way Northeastern Minnesota.
