Three wildfires have burned a combined nearly 20,000 acres in northern Minnesota, destroying buildings and prompting evacuations.

The devastating wildfires that are consuming thousands of acres of forest in northern Minnesota have been exacerbated by the actions of a wood pest. Commanders responding to the trio of wildfires ongoing in St. Louis County say they have been fueled by the eastern spruce budworm.

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