Fire Help

wildfire in trees

Communities in United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's service area being impacted by wildfires.

UWNEMN is closely monitoring these fires and working with our colleagues in disaster relief and recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve. 

BABBITT

  • Item Replacement - Babbitt Thrift Store
    • No cost for families affected by the fires. Take what you need to help get through this difficult time.
    • 1 - 5 PM Wednesday–Friday; 11 AM - 3 PM Saturday
    • 31 Central Blvd #400, Zups Parking Lot
    • If in need when store is closed, text what you need to 218-248-2299

Shelter Update: Due to lack of current need, Babbitt Municipal Building evacuation site has closed. St. Louis County and the American Red Cross are closely monitoring the situation and will open additional sites as needed.

COOK

ELY

  • Connect to Multiple Resources - Ely Community Response
    • Let Ely Community Response know what you need using this form, and they will connect you with someone who can meet your need.
    • Prefer in-person? Visit the Ely Community Response base at the Ely State Theater from 10 am - 9 pm.
  • Family Support - Ely Community Resource
    • Can help local families in transition or crisis.
  • Food - Ely Area Food Shelf
  • Grocery Delivery - Boundary Waters Kitchen & Market
    • Free delivery of grocery items and deli to those that can't leave the house.
    • Order online OR call Chris at 612-432-2473 to arrange delivery.
  • Pet Boarding
    • Variety of options posted here.
  • Senior and Caregiver Support - Northwoods Partners
    • Classes are currently canceled, but help is available to get essentials to local seniors to keep them healthy and safe.
    • Call 218-365-8019 with questions.
  • Shelter - Ledgerock Community Church
    • Spend the night; cold water and some snacks provided (no meals).
    • Space is limited; message the church or call 218-365-4890 to arrange.
  • Small Instrument Storage - Elephant Yolk Recording Studio
    • Limited space for guitars and other instruments in a climate controlled space at no cost.
    • No larger items (pianos, drum sets, etc)
    • Message on Facebook to arrange.
  • "Third Space" - Carbonation Ely
    • No expectation to buy anything.
    • Bring your own water bottle, bring a snack, bring a laptop, bring a book, or just come sit for a while.
    • Well-behaved pets are welcome.
    • Need a quiet place? Head upstairs to a workspace to make a phone call, work for a while, or simply catch your breath.
    • 229 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN, United States, 55731
  • "Third Space" - Ely's Historic State Theater
    • Tables, chairs, air conditioning, and board games.
    • Free bag of popcorn to all moviegoers.
    • Free movie passes for firefighters.
    • 238 E Sheridan St, Ely MN 55731
  • Wildfire Mitigation - B&B Property Maintenance
    • Wildfire mitigation around homes and structures to reduce fire risk.
    • Will spend up to 4 hours per property.
    • Free of charge - tips appreciated but never expected.

EMBARRASS

HIBBING

  • N95 Masks - Hibbing Salvation Army
  • Message on Facebook or stop by in-person.
  • 107 W Howard St, Hibbing, MN 55746

INTERNATIONAL FALLS

TOWER

  • Shelter - Fortune Bay Resort & Casino
    • Limited number of free RV parking spaces available for evacuees who need a place to park their RV.
    • No electrical or sewer hookups available; generators are welcome.
    • Limited parking available for boats.
    • Hotel room availability may be limited due to current occupancy.
      • If unable to accommodate you, Fortune Bay is working with other area hotels to help connect evacuees with available lodging whenever possible.
    • Call front desk for inquiries: 

REGIONWIDE

Resource Connection:

  • Call 2-1-1 to speak with someone 24/7/365.
    • Minnesota-based call center has access to a comprehensive list of local resources.
    • Tell them your situation, and they'll tell you what help is available and where.
    • Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or search their database online.

Indoor Smoke Relief:

  • Cook Public Library - 103 S River St, Cook, MN 55723
    • Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    • Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    • Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
  • Hibbing Public Library - 2020 5th Avenue East, Hibbing
    • Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-6pm
    • Fridays: 10am-5pm
    • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
  • Tower Civic Center - 402 Pine Street, Tower
    • 8:00am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri
  • Virginia Public Library - 215 South 5th Avenue, Virginia
    • Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-6pm
    • Fridays: 10am-5pm
    • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
  • Iron Trail Motors Event Center - 919 6th St S, Virginia
    • Monday- Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Mental Health Resources:

ELY

  • Ely Community Response
    • Currently collecting NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, true HEPA air purifiers, 20" box fans (2012 or newer),  20" × 20" MERV-13 furnace filters (1" or 2"), duct tape, and cardboard (20" × 20" pieces or larger).
      • Please buy locally from Babbitt or Ely when possible, and please limit donations to a maximum of FIVE of any one item.
      • Deliver to Ely State Theater between 10 AM and 9 PM.
    • Resource Connection: Let Ely Community Response know if you have something you're willing to share or a service you're willing to provide using this form, and they will connect you with someone who needs your help.
      • Prefer in-person? Visit the Ely Community Response base at the Ely State Theater from 10 AM - 9 PM.
    • Volunteer (1) needed 6:30-9 PM Sunday, July 19th.
      • Training provided. Sign up here.
      • More opportunities may be posted in the future.

UWNEMN has been in touch with local and regional emergency response leaders and are not aware of any other needs for food, beverages, items, or volunteers at this time.

  • Firefighters' food and shelter needs are handled by the U. S. Forest Service, and water/food have been collected for visiting crews.
  • While well-intended, food and clothing donations often go to waste in disasters.
    • Contact an intended location before collecting or delivering donations.
    • Be advised that when food is needed, only donations of pre-packaged food and beverages - or food made in a commercially licensed kitchen/labeled as such - can be accepted.
  • Requested items and donation locations will be posted here as we become aware of them. 
Local leaders will alert UWNEMN to needs as they arise. 
Help us purchase needed items and support relief efforts!

If deemed necessary, funds may also be collected and distributed directly to impacted individuals. 
Checks or cash can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Please include a note that your donation is intended for wildfire recovery.

Sota Clothing is donating $10 for every order placed to UWNEMN's Crisis & Disaster Recovery Fund through Sunday July 19th

UWNEMN is in touch with local leaders who will alert us to needs as they arise. 

Help us purchase needed items and support relief efforts: 

 

 

If deemed necessary, funds may also be collected and distributed directly to impacted individuals. 

Checks or cash can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Please include a note that your donation is intended for wildfire recovery.

Sota Clothing is donating $10 for every order placed to UWNEMN's Crisis & Disaster Recovery Fund through Sunday July 19th!

Thank you to Twin Metals Minnesota for its $10,000 donation to our Crisis & Disaster Recovery Fund and to all the individuals who have already united to raise nearly $10,000 to support our community as we respond to this crisis and prepare for long-term recovery.

From U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest:  

  • Evacuation orders are now in effect for some areas. More may be issued.
  • When incident command and law enforcement issue an evacuation order, residents should gather their families and pets and leave for a designated evacuation site or the home of family or friends outside the fire area.
  • Make those arrangements now. Delaying evacuation preparations can interfere with fire suppression efforts and put the public and first responders at greater risk.
  • Track local Ready, Set, Go evacuation statuses.

From Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

  • Red Flag Warnings are in effect for Cook, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties due to critical fire weather conditions.
  • Please DO NOT burn in these counties.
  • Check current burning restrictions.

From Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: 

  • A MAROON air quality alert has been issued due to wildfire smoke from today through Friday, July 17, for northeast Minnesota.
  • Air quality is expected to reach the maroon AQI category, which is considered hazardous for everyone.
  • Learn how to protect yourself from poor air quality.

AIR QUALITY RESOURCES

  • N95 Masks Available:
  • Indoor Smoke Relief:
    • Cook Public Library - 103 S River St, Cook, MN 55723
      • Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      • Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      • Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
      • Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    • Hibbing Public Library - 2020 5th Avenue East, Hibbing
      • Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-6pm
      • Fridays: 10am-5pm
      • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
    • Tower Civic Center - 402 Pine Street, Tower
      • 8:00am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri
    • Virginia Public Library - 215 South 5th Avenue, Virginia
      • Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-6pm
      • Fridays: 10am-5pm
      • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
    • Iron Trail Motors Event Center - 919 6th St S, Virginia
      • Monday- Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Mental Health Resources:


This page will be updated regularly. 
In times of crisis, information changes rapidly. Please take time to verify information before sharing, check back to this site often for verified information, and please contact katy@unitedwaynemn.org with updates you can verify!

Some resources are still available for residents recovering from last summer's wildfires:

Item Replacement

  • Justice North - 1-877-696-6529

    • Can help replace lost and damaged documents.
    • Services are free for eligible individuals.
    • Call OR begin your application online. 

 

Guidance and Support

  • American Red Cross - 218-722-0071 ext 1
    • Recovery Information - Access crucial information and get connected to community partner organizations that can provide additional resources.
    • Disaster Health Services -  Speak with trained Red Cross health services professionals about any health-related concerns. Replace medication or durable medical equipment that may have been lost in the fire. 
    • Emotional Support - Disasters are traumatic incidents. You or your loved ones can talk to Trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers about your experiences. 
    • Spiritual Guidance - Connect with the Spiritual Care Team for spiritual support, care, and guidance.
  • Justice North - 1-877-696-6529
    • Can help with a variety of legal matters including proof of home ownership, insurance claims and denials, contractor repair scams, lease terminations, eviction prevention, access to government benefits, employment related issues, emergency custody, protective orders, and more.
    • Services are free for eligible individuals.
    • Call OR begin your application online. 
  • Disaster Distress helpline - 1-800-985-5990
    • 24/7 crisis support
    • Counseling for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters

More Resources

Safety

  • There are many factors to consider when returning to a property after a wildfire:
    • Be aware of continued risk; regularly check your property for signs of residual fires.
    • Document property damage with photographs, conduct an inventory, and contact your insurance company for assistance.
    • Wear protective clothing and respirator when cleaning.

Water

Thanks to the support of local individuals and businesses, more than $62,000 was raised in 2025, all of which went directly to Brimson fire recovery efforts.