Evacuations Issued as Munger Shaw Fire Grows in St. Louis County

CANYON, Minn. — A grass fire spreading along Munger Shaw Road prompted evacuations on Monday afternoon as it became the third large wildfire reported in St. Louis County this week. The Munger Shaw Fire was first reported around 3 p.m., with officials estimating it had already burned 30 acres.

As the flames quickly moved north between Highways 53 and 2, multiple fire departments were deployed to combat the spread. St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay described the situation as urgent, stating the fire was “moving quickly in a northern direction.” He advised residents in the eastern half of Cotton Township, particularly those near Morley Beach and Elde roads, to evacuate immediately.

An evacuation center was established at the Cotton Town Hall located at 9087 Highway 53. Sheriff Ramsay assured the community assistance would be available as the fire created heightened risks for residents.

The Munger Shaw Fire follows two other significant wildfires in the region. The Camp House Fire, ignited on Sunday near Brimson, has already reached 750 acres and remains 0% contained. Additionally, the Jenkins Fire began on Monday morning and has increased to over 800 acres, pushing authorities to impose evacuations in affected areas.

Officials cited dry conditions and strong winds as significant contributors to the rapid spread of these fires. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth warned that low humidity levels would continue, prompting the issuance of a Fire Weather Watch.

As of Monday evening, the Munger Shaw Fire is estimated to have ballooned to 1,300 acres, with reports of structural damage still being assessed. An investigation remains underway to determine the fire’s cause.

Residents anxiously await further updates as firefighting efforts continue amidst challenging weather conditions.