Wildfires rage across US-Canada border amid out-of-season heat

Unseasonably high temperatures have triggered a surge in wildfire activity across northern Minnesota and southern Canada in recent days, scorching tens of thousands of acres and prompting evacuations on both sides of the border.

In Minnesota, more than 30,000 acres have burned since the weekend, primarily in St. Louis County, where three major wildfires—Camp House (11,778 acres), Jenkins Creek (20,593 acres), and Munger Shaw (1,300 acres)—are still uncontained, Caliber.Az writes, quoting American media.

Fueled by hot, dry weather, strong winds, and drought-stricken forests, the fires have already destroyed over 140 structures. Authorities suspect arson as the cause of the Camp House blaze.

The Jenkins Creek fire exhibited extreme behaviour on May 13, rapidly advancing several miles southward due to gusty winds. Fire officials say both Jenkins Creek and Camp House are burning in forests heavily affected by budworm-killed timber, a key factor contributing to the fires’ rapid spread.

The wildfires have also caused hazardous air quality, prompting an air quality alert across northern Minnesota on May 14. Smoke from the blazes has blanketed the region, with no immediate relief in sight as record-setting temperatures in the 90s continue for a third consecutive day.

Minnesota typically sees around 12,000 acres burn annually. This year, wildfires have already consumed more than 40,000 acres—over triple the seasonal average—with around 80 fires reported amid red-flag conditions statewide.

Across the border in Canada, southwestern Ontario is battling the region's largest fire: an 8,000-hectare (19,768-acre) blaze near the town of Kenora, east of the Manitoba border. First reported on May 12, the fire has travelled more than 22 kilometres (13.7 miles), driven by strong winds.

Southern Manitoba is also contending with several major fires, including five currently measuring over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). Four of those began within the last week.

Emergency services in both countries remain on high alert as meteorologists forecast continued hot and dry conditions, with a possible cold front expected later in the week.

By Khagan Isayev