Red Flag Warning extended for 80 Minnesota Counties, Camp House Fire remains uncontained

The National Weather Service has extended Sunday’s Red Flag Warning to include Monday, May 12.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) announced the extension in a press release early Monday morning.

Red Flag Warnings are issued when current and forecasted weather conditions can foster the rapid spread of a fire. This includes low humidity and strong winds.

The MN DNR does not issue burning permits during a Red Flag Warning, and they discourage campfires or any outdoor burning. They also recommend confirming that recent fires are completely extinguished and cold.

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

Red Flag Warnings are evolving situations. More information and updates can be found on the National Weather Service website.

The weather is predicted to stay warm and dry through Wednesday, with rain in the forecast starting Wednesday night. More rain is predicted for Thursday and Friday.

A wildfire was reported in St Louis County Sunday shortly before 2 p.m. The Camp House Fire, located near Brimson, MN, spread quickly. The Minnesota Incident Command System reported the fire at roughly 200 acres on Sunday afternoon.

In their evening update via the organization’s Facebook page, the MNICS reported that the fire had grown to 750 acres. Reports on Monday morning still show the wildfire as uncontained.

MNICS lists the following agencies as part of the fire suppression effort: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, Two Harbors Fire Department, Finland Fire Department, Silver Bay Fire Department and Brimson Volunteer Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Fire Service Specialists, St. Louis County Emergency Management, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, and Lake County Sherriff’s Office, and Lake County Emergency Management.

This an ongoing story, and WTIP will continue to provide updates as they become available. 

Kirsten Wisniewski May 12, 2025