Jenkins Creek Fire 2025

The Jenkins Creek Fire ignited on Monday, May 12, 2025, around 11:00 a.m. It was detected east of County Road 110 and north of County Road 16 near Jenkins Creek, approximately 15 miles southeast of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. The fire rapidly expanded due to hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong south winds, burning through mixed boreal forest and grassy ground cover, including areas heavily infested by spruce budworm, which contributed to the fire's intensity. 

A National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team took control of the fire on May 28, 2025 from the Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team who took command of the fire on May 14. In addition to firefighting handcrews, resources deployed included multiple engines, bulldozers, tracked vehicles, and aerial support. Firefighters are focusing on full suppression tactics, structure protection, and establishing containment lines. 

The fire initially exhibited extreme behavior, including crown fires and rapid spread through dense forested areas. The presence of dead and dying trees, particularly those affected by spruce budworm infestations, provided ample fuel for the fire's growth. After a couple days, the spread slowed as crews responded, winds subsided, and moisture moved into the area. Firefighters were able to take advantage of that opportunity and built line that held through another wind event a couple days later. Since then, containment has continued to be effectively established.

Evacuations have now been lifted. Some recreation site and road closures on Superior National Forest remain in effect.

Local communities and organizations, like the Red Cross and United Way, are supporting firefighting efforts and assisting displaced residents.