‘Hugs + Cheers’ At Minnesota Bar As First Rain Falls Amid Wildfire

It's likely the most costly fire in Minnesota since the huge 1918 fire near Cloquet. There was a collective sigh of relief across much of Northern Minnesota when rain came on Thursday evening.

Unfortunately, we couldn't get a slow-moving steady rain, but beggars can't be choosers, right? Severe weather erupted across Minnesota and Wisconsin Thursday afternoon, bringing nearly a half-inch of rain to the area. Tornadoes were reported in Carlton County, Foxboro, and Ashland, Wisconsin.

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Some strong winds knocked out power lines in the area and even started some grass fires, which were quickly contained.

The Munger Shaw fire evacuation order was lifted on Thursday because of the favorable weather conditions. Crews were able to contain the fire and better establish fire protection lines.

The larger fires in the area now known as the Brimson Complex Fires were also hit by rain, and last night, Hugo's Bar in Brimson, Minnesota, shared an update. They said there were hugs and cheers when the rain came.

Hugo's has been a staging area for firefighters and volunteers. They've been a drop-off for donations, meals donated by businesses, and a place to rest out of the heat. Community members raised money and bought bulk snacks to feed firefighters, and allowed them to bring something into the forest that will fit in their pocket, like beef jerky, to refuel and give them energy to fight.

People were sharing their gratitude for the rain. People who received rain in Hoyt Lakes were also overjoyed to see the rain, as that small town is in a level 2 evacuation zone as of Thursday.

It wasn't enough to put out the fires, but it was enough to slow them down. Officials say that any one of these three fires alone would be enough to stretch their resources. Having three at the same time doesn't typically happen.

Rain showers are expected to continue Friday through Saturday. Cooler temperatures in the forecast will also be favorable for fighting fires.