Three major wildfires raging out of control in the same Minnesota county have burned more than 20,000 acres combined.

BRIMSON, Minn. — The largest of three wildfires in St. Louis County in northern Minnesota has grown to 12,000 acres since Sunday and consumed over 40 homes, cabins and other buildings, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said Tuesday.

A serious situation is unfolding in northern Minnesota, where multiple wildfires have sprung up during tinderbox-dry conditions, and an increasing number of residents are now subject to evacuation orders as the blaze consumes properties. Authorities in St. Louis County are responding to:

The Camp House fire has burned nearly 12,000 acres, while the Jenkins Creek fire has burned at least 6,800 acres. Both fires are at 0% containment as of Tuesday morning.

Wildfires have exploded in size across parts of northeastern Minnesota north of Lake Superior, destroying at least 40 homes and buildings, as unseasonably high temperatures and low humidity will continue to drive dangerous fire weather on Tuesday.

Wildfire smoke has triggered an air alert in the region through Wednesday. Experts warn poor air could return this summer as drought persists.

Good Tuesday eveningThe heat and humidity continue across Minnesota today, with highs well into the 80s and another breezy afternoon. But big changes are coming—along with the most significant chance of rain and thunderstorms we’ve seen in a while.

State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront.