Single Publication

Munger Shaw Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1259 acres    Location: Southeast of Cotton, MN                                  Personnel: 29
Containment: 95%    Cause: Under investigation                                           Resources: 2 engines, 1 UAS module.

Start Date: 05/12/2025  

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 humidities 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Evacuations and Road Closures:  Road closures and evacuations have been rescinded by the Sheriff. The team is closely coordinating with St. Louis County on updating the evacuation status. Stay alert and continue to monitor county websites for information.  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

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 and the American Red Cross.

Burning Restrictions: For current burning restrictions, see  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html