Dry conditions spark second wildfire near Cadotte Lake Campground in Superior National Forest

Updated 5:25 p.m.

With the red flag warnings in effect and continued dry conditions throughout northeastern Minnesota, a second wildfire was reported on Monday, May 12, within the Superior National Forest. 

The Jenkins Creek Fire is located approximately 14 miles southeast of Hoyt Lakes, Minn.,, east of County Rd 110 and the 16 junction. 

The U.S. Forest Service said as of 2:30 p.m. on May 12, the fire is approximately several hundred acres in size. Due to the extremely dry and windy conditions and its location, the nearby Cadotte Lake Campground is being evacuated and closed as a precaution. 

The campground provides RV and tent camping sites. Facebook posts from campers at Cadotte Lake Campground show photos of big bellows of smoke across the lake.

At 4 p.m. the U.S. Forest Service reported the fire grew to approximately 800 acres in size.

“Multiple aircraft and ground firefighters are engaged in suppression actions. Steady winds and dry conditions continue to contribute to fire growth,” the Forest Service said in a May 12 Facebook post.

Jenkins Creek Fire in Green and Camp House Fire in Red – St. Louis County

Another wildfire, which ignited yesterday, on Sunday, May 11, and is burning nearby.

The Camp House Fire, located southeast of the Jenkins Creek Fire near County Rd 44 in Brimson, is zero percent contained as of 2:50 p.m. on Monday, May 12.

As of 5:50 p.m., the fire has burned approximately 1500 acres, according to Forest Service officials. 

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 12 press release that currently over 50 structures, including cabins and houses, have been evacuated. At least three houses have burned.

As of 11 a.m. today, Highway 44 between Indian Creek Rd and Brimson Rd will be closed to all traffic until further notice. 

Due to the growing Camp House Fire, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said as of 3 p.m. evacuation orders are in effect for Langley River Rd and Murphy Lake Rd.

The Forest Service stated the Camp House Fire is burning in mixed forest vegetation with a large quantity of spruce budworm infested forest stands.

“Nearby structures are threatened,” the Forest Service said in a Facebook post.

The Forest Service is coordinating the response with numerous other agencies to battle the wildfire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Firefighters will continue full suppression tactics on Tuesday, May 13 while trying to limit damage to private land and forest resources, the Forest Service said.

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for 80 counties in Minnesota due to the high winds and low relative humidity. Red Flag Warnings mean fires can spread quickly and grow out of control. Fire danger is extreme, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. 

Fire Danger May 12 | Minnesota DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris. Campfires are also discouraged.

“When fire risk is this high, any spark could become a wildfire,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “People should use extreme caution until conditions improve.”

Kalli Hawkins May 12, 2025