Single Publication

Munger Shaw Fire Update Sunday, May 18, 2025 

Minnesota Incident Mgt. Team A Incident Commander: Mike Hill 

Fire Information: 218-360-4484 

 Email: 2025.mungershaw@firenet.gov 

Munger Shaw Fire Quick Facts Size: 1600 acres                 Location: Southeast of Cotton, MN      Personnel: 51 Containment: 75%      Cause: Under investigation              

Resources: 1 engine, 1 dozer, 1 tracked vehicle, 1excavator, 1 Type One crew, 1 UAS Modue

Start Date: 05/12/2025

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Evacuations and Road Closures: The St. Louis County Sheriff rescinded the evacuation and road closures for the Munger Shaw Fire ONLY.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.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Divisions of Emergency Management and 911 have a website hub with evacuation and other fire information and Ready-Set-Go map. 

St. Louis County: https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire 

Lake County: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/ 

Donations: Staff and firefighters working on the Munger Shaw Fire greatly appreciate all the support from the local businesses and communities. At this time, we are unable to use all of the food and drink donations we are receiving. Please be assured that our firefighters are well taken care of. Once again, we greatly appreciate the generosity of those who want to assist. As an alternative we recommend making a contribution to these great organizations who support firefighters: 

Wildland Firefighter Foundation at: https://wffoundation.org/ 

The Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate.html 

The United Way: https://www.unitedwaynemn.org/give 

Cooperating Agencies: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, CN Railroad, Northland Fire Department, St. Louis County Emergency Management and St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Burning Restrictions: For current burning restrictions, see https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html