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 Location: Southeast of Cotton, MN Personnel: 51 Containment:51% Cause: Under Investigation Resources: 1 engine, 1 dozer, 1 Start Date: 05/12/2025 tracked vehicle, 1 excavator, . 1 Type One Crew, 1 UAS Module
KEY MESSAGE: MNICS Team A added a UAS (Un-crewed Aircraft Systems) or drone which will be flying over the fire today assisting the firefighters. Drone use by the public near a wildfire is ILLEGAL. Unauthorized drones pose a serious threat to pilot safety.
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.
Update and Planned Activities:
Good progress continues to be made on the Munger Shaw Fire with containment now at 75%. Today, crews
continue patrolling and monitoring of the fire line as well as with suppression damage repair work.
Fire suppression damage repair is work done immediately following fire suppression actions to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and related impacts from the suppression actions. The repair work is completed on hand and dozer fire control lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points that were used during fire suppression efforts.
MNICS Team A ordered a UAS module which arrived on Saturday with an Un-crewed Aircraft System (UAS) or drone along with experienced operators. The UAS provides valuable low altitude photos and infrared imagery while also reducing the inherent risk that goes with traditional crewed aircraft and firefighters working under fire-weakened timber. The drone will be flying over the fire, mapping the perimeter and identifying any areas of remaining heat where crews can follow up using water and equipment to tamp down hotspots.
National Weather Service Forecast: It will continue to be cloudy and cool today with rain showers and drizzle tapering off into the afternoon. Light winds from the north will shift to east winds at 5-9 mph gusting to 14 mph. A high pressure system moving into the region will bring cold temps and drier air this week.
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.