The St. Louis County Board declared a state of local emergency and local disaster Tuesday as crews battled 20 wildfires across northeastern Minnesota, including fires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The declaration allows the county to seek state and federal reimbursement if wildfire damage and response costs reach required thresholds. St. Louis County Emergency Management will apply for reimbursement on behalf of the county and affected cities and townships.
The U.S. Forest Service reported Tuesday morning that 20 wildfires were burning across St. Louis and Lake counties. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management are coordinating the response with the Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake County and local fire departments.
The county activated its Ready, Set, Go evacuation map Sunday to provide guidance to residents and visitors in affected areas of St. Louis and Lake counties. The map is available through the St. Louis County Emergency Services Hub and the county’s website at stlouiscountymn.gov.
Commissioners praised the firefighters and other emergency personnel responding to the fires. Commissioner Paul McDonald, whose district includes Ely and several affected areas, noted that fire departments from surrounding communities provided equipment and personnel through mutual-aid agreements. Numerous firefighting aircraft also were operating from the Ely airport.
A temporary evacuation center has been established at the Babbitt Municipal Center for people affected by the Camp and Sioux fires in St. Louis and Lake counties. St. Louis County Public Health employees are stationed at the center to connect evacuees with services and other resources.
Smoke from the wildfires also is creating dangerous air quality conditions across the region. By Wednesday morning, air quality throughout St. Louis County was expected to reach hazardous or very unhealthy levels.
Residents can find air quality updates and health recommendations on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website. A link also is available at stlouiscountymn.gov.
