If your property was affected by the wildfires in May, find resources and information on relevant county services here: 2025 Spring Wildfires

2025 Spring Wildfires

 
 

2025 Spring Wildfires

As property owners continue 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.

Replacement of structures

Rebuilding structures damaged by wildfire requires permits from the St. Louis County Planning & Zoning Department. (Minor repairs do not require permits.) The County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to rebuild. The waiving of permit fees is valid through January 4, 2026, and is for the replacement of structures lost and for addressing failing septic systems within the disaster area.  

Information on applying for a land use permit

Information on applying for a septic permit

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.

Disposal of burn debris

The temporary disposal site in Brimson is now closed. If you still have wildfire debris to dispose of, please contact Environmental Services at 218-471-7703 or visit stlouiscountymn.gov/waste 

Property damage reporting

The St. Louis County Assessor's Department has completed inspections of all properties affected by the wildfires. If a property sustained enough damage to qualifty for property tax relief, the owner was provided an application to fill out and return. The deadline to submit that application has now passed. If you missed the deadline, contact our Assessor's Dept for options: 218-726-2304.

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.

 

 

Returning home after a wildfire

Wait until authorities give the okay before returning to your home, cabin or property.

Be aware of continued risk: Inspect your surroundings with caution for charred trees and power poles that could topple. Avoid hot ash, smoldering debris and live embers, and watch where you step for heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Avoid stirring up or sifting through ash as much as possible.

Regularly check your property for any signs of residual fires, like smoke or hidden embers, especially in concealed areas like roof gutters.

Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.

When cleaning, wear protective clothing – including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes – during clean-up efforts.

Use a respirator to limit your exposure, and wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles. People with asthma, COPD and/or other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.

 

Prepare for Evacuation

  1. MAKE A PLAN. Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to quickly evacuate. Where will you meet? How will you communicate? Think about what you'll do if an evacuation is ordered while you're at work, your kids are at school, etc.

    Wildfire Planning
     
  2. MAKE A GO KIT. Pack essential items like food, water, medications, phone chargers and essential documents in a go kit to take with you in an evacuation. Include items you may need for your pets. Don't forget to take photos of your property for insurance purposes.

    Go Kit Checklist
     
  3. REGISTER FOR ALERTS. Sign up for local emergency alerts in St. Louis County by navigating to 

    Sign Up for Northland Alerts
     
  4. MONITOR EVACUATION INFORMATION. Use the evacuation maps below to locate your evacuation zone and instructions for Ready, Set, Go! Call 211 or report to any open evacuation centers to let first responders know your property has been evacuated.

    Evacuation Maps

Ready, Set, Go Instructions

Ready

READY for potential evacuation. Make sure that your home is defensible. Remove brush and debris from gutters and around your home. Follow the “FireWise” home preparation protocol from the NFPA, linked here. Create an evacuation plan and be sure that all household members are familiar with the plan. Gather all emergency supplies and create an emergency supply kit. Be up to date with your insurance and take a video home inventory. Closely monitor the situation.

Set

SET to evacuate. Prepare to leave at a moment’s notice! Do final fireproofing preparations of your house- turn off gas, remove flammable curtains and blinds, and move flammable furniture to the center of the room. Have a mobile radio ready to stay up to date with emergency notifications in case of poor cell coverage. Check in with your neighbors and make sure that they are preparing to evacuate as well. Start packing your vehicle and back your car into the driveway to ensure quick and seamless evacuation. If you feel threatened don’t wait for a final evacuation notice, just go!

     Don't Forget Your 6 P's 

  • People and Pets
  • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
  • PC hard drive
  • Papers and important documents
  • Prescriptions and medications
  • Plastics (credits cards) and cash

Go!

GO!  Evacuate immediately! Make sure all household members are accounted for. Close all windows, leave exterior lights on so your house is visible to firefighters in the smoke. Have several predetermined evacuation routes planned and choose the safest one. Head to your designated safe location (relative's house, motel, etc.). GO!

Contacts

In emergency or to file a report, call 911.

 

Public Health Hotline North
218-471-7600

Planning & Zoning (Replacement of Structures)
Onsite Wastewater Division (Septic Systems):
218-471-7103


Air Quality

Wildfire smoke is impacting air quality in parts on St. Louis County. Go to Wildfire Smoke - MN Dept. of Health for more information on wildfire smoke.

Air quality


Duluth Forecast


Ely Forecast


Virginia Forecast