AULT TOWNSHIP, Minnesota — Multiple fire agencies are battling a “rapidly spreading” wildfire around the 2200 block of Highway 44 in Ault Township near Bimson.

The call for help came in around 1:15 p.m.

The flames were traveling in a northeasterly direction through the woods.

As of 5 p.m., the fire was estimated to be 200 acres in size, according to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

“Initial information is a number of cabins, garages and other structures have been affected,” according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. “The fire also prompted several dozen residents in the area to be evacuated from their properties.”

“Resources assisting across the region include a C-130 air tanker from Brainerd carrying 3,000 gallons of water and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from Ely equipped with 2,300 gallons of water,” according to the Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

The Ault Town Hall building has been opened for residents affected by the fire.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center has named the wildfire the Camp House fire, which is reference to the historical property known as Camp House near Brimson, and is owned by Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Camp House was started in 1923 as a camp for children of railroad workers, according to GLLM. It is still used today and sits on 120 acres about 30 minutes north of Two Harbors. The site includes 10 cabins, two bath houses, a dining hall and large gathering space.

CONTINUE READING
RELATED ARTICLES