The fires have now grown to 30,000 acres. There is hope that rains will arrive late this afternoon and evening. Here is the official site to obtain the most current fire information. The forest fire is now named the Brimson Complex Fire, which manages these two large fires (Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fires).

This fire is 0% contained, and complicated by almost no forest roads through the affected area, and the native spruce bud worm caterpillar which has resulted in large stands of dead spruce trees (the insect defolliates and kills the trees). The dead trees are perfect fuel for the fires. At this time most of the fire fighting efforts are focused towards saving structures.

Many friends from church are helping to fight the fires (thanks and prayers). Molly made 4 dozen cookies for distribution to the fire fighters … as did many other church members at French River Lutheran. If you wish to help out, join Molly and me by donating to the combined United Ways of Lake and St. Louis Counties. 100% of your financial donation goes to those affected by the fire, not overhead or administrative expense. Send or direct your donation to the Wildfire Relief Fund of the Head of the Lakes United Way.

The Greenwood area is now officially closed by the forest service. Do not visit the feeders or hike the trails. Here is an affected area map from the U.S. Forest Service.