Minnesota Incident Mgt. Team A Incident Commander: Mike Hill
Fire Information: 218-360-4484
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-munger-shaw-fire
Email: 2025.mungershaw@firenet.gov
Munger Shaw Fire Quick Facts
- Size: 1600 acres
- Containment: 95%
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Start Date: 05/12/202
- Location: Southeast of Cotton, MN
KEY MESSAGE: This will be the final update for the Munger Shaw Fire unless significant activity occurs. Over the weekend, firefighters made great progress with improved weather conditions toward containing the Munger Shaw Fire – now 95% contained. MNICS Team A will be transitioning the management of the fire back to the local Cloquet Area DNR Forestry at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. After today, the fire organization will be approximately 3-5 people issued to the fire. The Minnesota DNR will continue monitoring and patrolling the fire area. While the fire is largely contained, smoldering hotspots within the fire’s interior may continue to smolder and produce smoke until the fire area receives sufficient precipitation.
Update and Planned Activities: The un-crewed aircraft system (UAS) or drone finished mapping the fire perimeter yesterday and reported the fire size has decreased to 1259 acres due to more accurate mapping. The advanced infrared technology used by the drone identified a few remaining hotspots within the burn area. Crews have worked to cool these hotspots down using water and stirring the hots embers to the surface. Drone use by the public near a wildfire is illegal. Unauthorized drones pose a serious threat to pilot safety.
Despite the rainy conditions yesterday, crews with tracked vehicles successfully completed all of their repair objectives. Suppression damage repair includes cleaning up any resource damage resulting from fire control lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points. Today, firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter.
National Weather Service Forecast: High winds and low relative humidity will lead to drying conditions on the fire today. Winds will be from the east at 5 to 10 mph, increasing throughout the day with gusts between 25 to 30 mph. East winds will remain strong and gusty through Tuesday. Temperatures will be cool with a predicted high of 48 degrees.
Evacuations and Road Closures: The St. Louis County Sheriff rescinded the evacuation and road closures for the Munger Shaw Fire ONLY. Due to improved weather conditions and the successful work on preventing further fire spread, residents will be allowed to return to their property immediately. Residents are reminded to be mindful of people working in the area to restore essential services. Drive cautiously as roads may have been impacted by the fire. Stay alert and pay attention.
Munger Shaw Overview: – The Munger Shaw fire was detected late in the afternoon on Monday, May 12. Minnesota DNR along with local fire departments responded. Multiple aircraft were brought in to help slow down the active flame fronts, supporting the ground firefighting efforts. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management are coordinating public safety efforts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Past Updates