Evacuation orders were in place and Minnesota Highway 61 remained closed Saturday between Two Harbors and Castle Danger as crews continued working to contain a wildfire along the North Shore.
The Stewart Trail Fire started Friday afternoon northeast of Two Harbors amid gusty winds and tinder-dry conditions. As of Friday night, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center estimated the fire to be 100 acres in size with no containment.
Local, state and federal crews were battling the fire on the ground and from the air. There was no official information yet on whether any buildings have burned and no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
“Multiple local, state and federal agencies are responding to the Stewart Trail Fire, along with numerous aircraft capable of providing water and fire retardant drops,” the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center reported in a Friday night update. It said crews were expected to remain on the scene overnight.
Lake County issued evacuation orders Friday for homes and businesses along State Highway 61 and County Road 3 northeast of Two Harbors. Those remained in effect as of Saturday morning.
Highway 61 remained closed between Two Harbors and Castle Danger as of Saturday morning — requiring a long detour for drivers heading to and from points farther up the North Shore. The fire also affected part of the Superior Hiking Trail.
The Stewart Trail Fire was one of at least 18 wildfires in northeastern Minnesota on Friday. Saturday was forecast to be another day of heightened wildfire risk across much of Minnesota, with gusty winds and low humidity.
Community response
Amid the ongoing firefighting efforts — and uncertainty over whether any homes or businesses were lost to the flames — local residents and businesses offered free meals and other assistance.
The Rustic Inn Cafe in Castle Danger reported that “all of our staff members are safe. However, we have a couple of employees who most likely have lost their home in the fire, and our hearts are with them and every family affected. … We are incredibly grateful for the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and emergency personnel working tirelessly to protect our community.”
The restaurant said it was offering free meals Saturday to first responders and families displaced by the wildfire. It was also accepting donations for firefighters and residents affected by the fire.
Do North Pizzeria in Two Harbors and the food truck Na-cho Bizness were also offering free meals to first responders and residents who had to evacuate.
“No questions. No expectations. Just neighbors helping neighbors,” the operators of the food truck posted online. “To every person working long hours, protecting homes, helping families and keeping our community safe — thank you.”
Additional firefighting help
Before Friday’s wildfires, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said this week that amid the elevated fire danger, additional wildland firefighting crews from Ontario and Manitoba were in Minnesota to assist local crews — part of an agreement called the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact.
“Their presence reflects the value of long-standing partnerships and a shared commitment to helping one another during periods of increased wildfire potential,” the DNR said.
