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Stewart Trail Fire Explodes: 370+ Acres Burn
17 May
Summary
- Stewart Trail Fire has reached 376 acres, remaining uncontained.
- Aircraft actively combat the blaze with water and retardant drops.
- Highway 61 is closed, and evacuations are underway near Two Harbors.
A wildfire, identified as the Stewart Trail Fire, has escalated significantly, now covering more than 376 acres just north of Two Harbors, Minnesota. As of Saturday morning, officials reported the fire was 0% contained, with firefighters actively working to establish containment lines using heavy equipment and hand crews. Efforts to control the blaze were ongoing overnight.
To combat the growing fire, multiple aircraft, including helicopters, scooper planes, and an airtanker, were deployed. These resources were instrumental in dropping water and fire retardant on the flames. The fire has scorched trees and structures visible along Highway 61, prompting evacuations for businesses like Betty's Pies and residential areas between Two Harbors and Castle Danger.
Authorities have implemented traffic closures on Highway 61 at County Highway 2 and County Highway 106 to manage the situation and facilitate detours. Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the multi-agency response, including the DNR, MnDOT, and DPS, expressing gratitude for those working to ensure public safety. A red flag warning for extreme fire risk is in effect for 15 counties in central and northeast Minnesota until 9 p.m. Saturday, emphasizing the need for caution with potential ignition sources.
