As property owners begin the process of cleaning up and rebuilding following this spring's devastating wildfires, here are resources from St. Louis County Departments that may be of help.
Property Damage Reporting
If your property was damaged in the recent wildfires in St. Louis County, please fill out this form:
Staff from the Assessors Department will begin in-person inspections on June 23 of properties damaged by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. Property owners may be eligible for property tax relief if their property sustained damage totaling 50% or more of its value, or if the property is homesteaded. Property tax relief may include property tax abatements in the year of the disaster, and property tax credits for taxes payable in the year following the disaster.
Property owners with questions about the disaster assessment process, or property tax relief programs should contact the St. Louis County Assessor’s office at 218-726-2304 or visit Disaster Relief.
Disposal of burn debris
If your property was damaged by the wildfires and you have debris you want to get rid of, please wait to haul it. St. Louis County Environmental Services is working through the permitting process with the MPCA to allow for temporary operation of a disposal site in Brimson. (Details are expected to be finalized in mid-June). Delaying disposal is also recommended from a safety perspective to allow more time for any smoldering embers to burn out so as to not risk a flare up while being transported or at the landfill or disposal site.
In preparation for the disposal site to be opened, Environmental Services offers these tips:
- Wear rubber gloves while cleaning, and wash with soap and water afterward
- The following materials should be separated for ease of disposal:
- Household hazardous waste (paint, stains, flammable liquids, cleaners, pesticides, automobile and rechargeable batteries, fluorescent bulbs
- Appliances
- Metal
- If you have already delivered fire-damaged debris to our landfill, hang on to any receipts related to disposal costs as they may be reimbursable through insurance or if other assistance becomes available.
Replacement of structures
Rebuilding structures damaged by wildfire requires permits from the St. Louis County Planning & Zoning Department. (Minor repairs do not require permits.)
Planning and zoning has provided:
Land Use Requirements Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides information on the process and requirements for replacement of nonconforming principal structures or structures on noncomforming lots.
For more information, visit Planning & Zoning. You also can contact the department by calling 218-471-7103 or email landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov.
Septic systems
Septic systems located on properties affected by natural disasters should be inspected/evaluated by a licensed SSTS inspector or service provider to determine if repairs or a septic system replacement is necessary.
- Sensitive parts like inspection/pipes, clean outs, and tank riser cover(s) may need repairs or replacement and do not require a permit.
- Component replacements require an SSTS compliance inspection and permit.
- Dwelling replacement requires a SSTS compliance inspection.
Caution:
Damaged septic tank riser cover(s) may become unsafe and an imminent threat to safety. Unsecured or damaged septic tank riser covers present significant safety hazards, including accidental falls into the tank, exposure to harmful bacteria and gases, and the potential for serious injury or drowning, particularly for children and pets. summer.
For more information, contact the Onsite Wastewater Divison at 218-471-7103 or OSWinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov.
Private Well Testing
St. Louis County Public Health currently has MDH private well testing kits for distribution to residents whose well was impacted by the 2025 May Wildfires. Public Health staff can provide information about the test kit return process, and answer any testing related questions. Please contact:
Diane Seiloff Yourczek (Iron Range and northern half of county) 218-471-7609
Susan Van Norman (Duluth area and southern half of county) 218-725-5291
County Board declares State of Local Emergency and State of Local Disaster
The County Board held an Emergency Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, to declare a State of Local Emergency and State of Local Disaster. This is part of the process to request state public disaster assistance for wildfire response and recovery activities. Read the news release.
For those who've sustained damage from the wildfires, we will continue updating this page with information on county services and resources to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.