By Scout Nelson
Wildfires burning across northern Minnesota have been worsened by the impact of a forest pest the eastern spruce budworm. Thousands of acres have been consumed, with dry trees adding fuel to the fires.
Officials managing wildfires in St. Louis County have identified the budworm as a significant factor. This pest feeds on balsam firs and spruces, which are common in Superior National Forest.
The eastern spruce budworm has been reported every year in Minnesota since 1954, making its infestation an ongoing issue. It weakens trees by feeding on their needles, causing them to shed and die.
Experts had already warned earlier this year that the pest could create dangerous fire conditions. A local tree farm operator told the Duluth News Tribune that his fir trees “have been shedding needles and dying at an alarming rate.”
On Tuesday, Camp House Fire Incident Commander Matt Williams explained how the infestation is fueling the flames. He stated that the budworm has left a lot of “receptive dead and downed fuel” that helps fires spread more easily.
The Camp House Fire grew rapidly. It was 1,250 acres on Monday evening, but by Tuesday morning, it had expanded to nearly 12,000 acres.
The University of Minnesota reports that the budworm defoliates or kills large areas of balsam fir and spruce trees each year. The Star Tribune noted that one year saw 200,000 acres destroyed.
As wildfires grow more intense, the role of pests like the eastern spruce budworm becomes more critical. Managing forest health will be essential in reducing fire risks in the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Minnesota, General