St. Louis County to begin assessing wildfire damage

The St. Louis County Assessor's Department began in-person visits this week starting Monday, June 23, to inspect properties damaged by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires.

Department staff began assessing and documenting the level of damage in Brimson and Fairbanks Township. The department will use the information to determine the total estimated market value of the improvements damaged as well as the percent of damage from the fires, according to a news release.

Property owners may be eligible for property tax relief if the damage to their property totaled at least 50% of its value or if their property is homesteaded. Property tax relief may include property tax abatements in the year the disaster took place as well as property tax credits for taxes payable the year following the disaster.

The department will mail application forms to the properties that qualify for any property tax relief. Property owners should return the application as soon as possible in order to be granted relief.

The department expects the damage assessment process to take several weeks due to reassessment work unrelated to the fires that was also planned for the area.

Property owners with questions about the process or property tax relief should call the St. Louis County Assessor's office at 218-726-2304 or visit the county's website.