Camp House Fire near Brimson (MN DNR)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is suing a Duluth man who pleaded guilty to starting a massive wildfire by leaving a campfire unattended.
The so-called Camp House Fire near Brimson last May burned more than 12,000 acres, forced evacuations, and eventually required the help of 600 additional firefighters provided by the federal government. The fire destroyed at least 187 structures, including homes and outbuildings, before it was fully contained more than a month later.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also declared a peacetime emergency in order to access state funds to help those who were impacted.
Wilson was issued a citation and pleaded guilty last November to a charge that was deemed a petty misdemeanor.
Under the Minnesota Wildfire Act, any person responsible for starting a wildfire is liable for full damages to the state for “all expenses incurred in fighting or preventing the spread of, or extinguishing” the fire.
The DNR is seeking roughly $4.3 million in a civil suit filed against Parker John Wilson to help recoup state expenses.
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